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JOURNAL 



LIFE AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES 



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WILLIAM EYANS, 

A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL 

IN THE 



SOCIETY OF FRIEIDS. 




PHILADELPHIA: 
FOR SALE AT FRIENDS' BOOK STORE, No. 304 A.RCH ST. 

187 0. 






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CAXTON PRESS OF SHERMAN A CO. 
PHILADELPHIA. 



TO THE READER. 

In the preparation of the following pages for publication, there 
has been little more required, than to select and arrange the 
matter, from the copious and long-kept diary of my late beloved 
brother. In them will be found depicted, in simplicity and self- 
abasement, the dealings of the Lord with one, whose main de- 
sire from early life, next to the salvation of his soul, was to 
be qualified for the service of his Divine Master, and to be rightly 
employed in his Church. 

As the reader traces his growth in Grace, he can form his own 
judgment of the stature he attained in Christ Jesus his Lord. 
It will be seen, that in common with other faithful servants of a 
crucified Master, he was often baptized into suffering and death ; 
that he might be prepared to visit the oppressed Seed, to par- 
take, in his measure, of the afflictions to be filled up for the 
body's sake, which is the Church, and to experience in himself 
the work of sanctification, and the renewings of that life which 
is hid with Christ in God. 

He shows that he knew what it was, to be often clothed with 
an humbling sense of his frailty and his inability, as a man, 
ibr any good word or work ; that he felt the necessity of keep- 
ing constantly on the watch, lest he should be betrayed into 
trusting in anything belonging to himself, and to seek for that 
Djvine anointing, which alone could fit him for the position he 
occupied in the Church, and to engage in the work assigned him. 

But while a correct estimate of his religious character may 
be drawn from the record made by his own pen, it may not be 
inappropriate to add a few words, to enable the reader to form 
some correct appreciation of his natural endowments, and his 
bearing in the domestic and social circles in which he moved. 



IV PREFACE. 

He possessed good mental abilities, and though his scholastic 
education was not equal, in some respects, to that now provided 
for the children of Friends, yet his quick perception, his habits 
of accurate observation and correct reasoning, together with a 
fondness for instructive reading, enabled him to store his mind 
with a fund of sound knowledge, that rendered his conversation 
interesting and profitable. With warm, natural affection for his 
family and other connections, he attached, them more strongly 
to himself by kindness and manifest interest in their welfare, 
than by the ties of consanguinity. Though he speaks of being 
often cast down and distressed, on account of the state of the 
professing Church, yet such was his care to wash and anoint, 
so as not to appear unto men to fast, that there were few who 
more generally maintained a chastened cheerfulness, or whose 
deportment was more free from repulsive reserve. His manner 
was genial, and marked by simplicity and sincerity ; and social 
intercourse, however diversified, soon revealed, that the sub- 
jects which lay nearest to his heart, were the work of salvation, 
and the spread of the Eedeemer's kingdom. 

His ministry was fervent, forcible and fluent ; manifesting 
concern to reach the Witness for Truth in the hearts of his 
hearers, rather than to convince by argument, or please by elo- 
quence ; and while his Christian love embraced those of every 
denomination, who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity, it flowed 
pre-eminently to his fellow members in the Society of Friends, 
whose religious growth and stability were objects of his deepest 
solicitude ; to promote which, he was ever ready to spend and 
be spent. 

Charles Evans. 

Philadelphia, Tenth month, 1870. 



The Journal having been examined by a Committee of the 
Meeting for Sufferings, its publication was approved by that 
meeting. 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, for 
the Southern District, held Ninth Month 23d, 1868, concerning 
William Evans. Approved by the Yearly Meeting of Friends 
held in Philadelphia, 1869. 

From a belief that much encouragement may be derived by 
survivors, from contemplating the consistent example of those 
who during a long life have been dedicated to the Lord's service, 
and enabled, through obedience to his Holy Spirit, to promote 
the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth, we are en- 
gaged to preserve a memorial of our beloved friend, William 
Evans. 

He was the son of our late valued friends, Jonathan and Han- 
nah Evans, and was born in Philadelphia the 5th day of the 
Tenth month, 1787 ; and during his whole life was a member of 
this Monthly Meeting. From memoranda which he states he 
believed it right to preserve of the Lord's dealings with him, it 
appears he was of a quick, lively disposition when young, and 
disinclined to restraint, which increased as he grew older. The: 
society of religious people was irksome to him, and he sought the 
company of those whose passions and propensities were unsub- 
jected to the Cross of Christ. By pursuing this course he re- 
marks: "Corruption strengthened, the innocency of childhood 
was tarnished, and my carnal appetites began to seek indulgences 
totally at variance with purity of heart, and that life which my 
parents earnestly labored to inculcate and keep their, children 
in." 

While learning the business which he afterwards followed, he 
was exposed to many temptations, being much separated from 
the care of his anxious and exercised parents, and subjected to 
intercourse with those who knew little or nothing of the work of 
religion. In this season of danger Divine mercy was extended to 

v 



VI TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

him, and he was kept from falling into the evil habits and con- 
versation of some of his young companions. 

It was the practice in his father's family frequently to read 
aloud in the Holy Scriptures and the writings of Friends. On 
one occasion, when collected for that purpose, he was brought 
into much contrition by reading William Leddra's epistle written 
the day before his execution. " It was," he says, " an extraordi- 
nary visitation of heavenly love, the savor of which continued 
many days," producing a sense of his sinful, impure condition ; 
and fervent desires were raised after holiness. " The Light of 
Christ shone clearly into my heart," he remarks, " showing me 
that many of my habits were contrary to the Divine purity, and 
must be abandoned — that many of my words were light and 
unsavory, and a guard must be placed at the door of my lips. 
Love flowed into my heart toward my gracious, Almighty Parent 
pre-eminently, and then toward all men as brethren and creatures 
of the same all-powerful Hand. I desired above all things to be 
with Jesus, and to know Him to continue with me, and at that 
time it .seemed as if He did condescend to manifest Himself in a 
clear manner, so that his countenance was lovely, and I walked 
under his guidance and protection with great delight. It was 
the baptism unto repentance, the day of my espousals, the begin- 
ning of a new life ; and while favored with these heavenly feel- 
ings, I thought nothing would be too hard to part with in obe- 
dience to the will of my Saviour." 

He was at this period about seventeen years of age, and al- 
though he had set out in earnest to walk in the straight and 
narrow way, he found that his evil propensities were still strong, 
and his soul's enemy unwearied in endeavors to overcome him. 
For want of keeping on the watch, he yielded to temptation, and 
was thereby introduced into much conflict and distress, and made 
sensible of the Divine displeasure ; yet in the midst of judgment, the 
Lord remembered mercy, and through the operation of his blessed 
Spirit, brought him again to tenderness of heart, and humbled him 
under a sense of unworthiness of his condescension and love. 

About the twentieth year of his age he appears to have passed 
through many baptisms and mortifying dispensations, doubtless 
designed for his purification and refinement. He also experi- 
enced seasons of Divine consolation, wherein he says he was ena- 
bled to pour out his soul before the Lord, and fervently craved 



WILLIAM EVANS. Vll 

to be made one of his children, and to serve Him all the days 
of his life. At one period, when passing through a time of great 
seeming desertion, the enemy took advantage of his bereaved 
condition, and started the doubt whether Jesus Christ was his 
Saviour, and insinuated that he had never heard his voice. 

Not being able to feel that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 
which he thought he once possessed, "-great distress and anxiety," 
he says, " came upon me. I searched the Holy Scriptures, and 
diligently read various religious, works which I hoped would 
restore the lost pearl, but it was all in vain. I was utterly unable 
to regain my faith in Christ, which had been an anchor to my 
soul in many tossings and tempests." For a long time he was 
kept in this condition, until he ceased searching books or striving 
to satisfy himself by argument. "I looked up to my Heavenly 
Father," he remarks, " but all was hid from me, and I wondered 
how it was that I should be unable to believe in the Lord Jesus 
Christ who, I had been taught, and never had doubted, was the 
Saviour." Through this distressing conflict he was kept steadfast 
and patient ; and one evening while walking out for meditation, 
with his mind turned toward the Lord, he says, " He whom my 
soul sought above all things suddenly came to his temple, and 
by his Holy Spirit gave me to see that He alone is the author 
of that faith which entereth within the veil and gi/eth victory 
over the world, the flesh, and the devil ; and that it is not 
founded merely on what is read, but is really of the operation of 
God on the heart. I rejoiced exceedingly and gave thanks to 
Him who is worthy of all praise and honor, and who will not 
give his glory to another. I could now firmly believe in the 
Lord Jesus as my Saviour, because of the renewed revelation of 
the Holy Spirit giving me that faith in Him ; and through mercy 
I have never since been permitted to feel any doubt respecting 
his divinity, his mediation, or any of his offices in the redemp- 
tion and salvation of man. I record this under a sense of my 
own nothingness, and for the purpose of exalting the glory of 
his grace, believiug that the foundation of true gospel saving 
faith is the immediate manifestation of the Holy Spirit ; and it 
is this which draws the dedicated soul to Christ, and enables it to 
believe in Him savingly, to rely upon and to follow Him as our 
Redeemer and the Captain of our salvation." 

He referred to this dispensation later in life as a peculiar favor 



Vlll TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

and blessing ; and it was no doubt a means of preparing him 
firmly to defend the fundamental doctrine of the divinity of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when in after years it was openly 
denied by many under our name, and also to preserve him from 
the error of regarding the Holy Scriptures as the origin and 
ground of that faith which comes only through the operations of 
Divine Grace in the heart. . " The Scriptures," he remarks, " are 
an invaluable record of all those things most surely believed by the 
faithful followers of Christ, who have the opportunity of reading 
them ; but it is God alone who can give true and saving faith in 
his beloved Son and in the truths of the Gospel, and it is by his 
mercy we are preserved to the end in the possession of that faith." 

After commencing business on his own account, he had great 
fear of bringing a shade or reproach on the profession of the 
Truth, or upon our religious Society ; and whenever anything 
presented, however profitable, which appeared to conflict with 
either, he felt most easy to decline engaging in it. His business 
was small, and on one occasion he was brought under concern 
lest it should not prove adequate to his necessities ; but his gra- 
cious Master condescended to show him that if he was faithful 
to his requi rings, he should never want for food or raiment. 
" The language and impression were so clear," he says, " humbling 
my heart before Him, that I believed his word ; and thereby 
proved that that faith of which He is the author, is the substance 
of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My mind 
firmly and peacefully rested in it, as much as it would have done 
in an independent estate, although no change in my business very 
soon occurred." 

Not long afterwards an opportunity presented for engaging in 
more extensive business, and he felt strongly inclined to embrace 
it, especially as that which he was then pursuing had been seri- 
ously interfered with by the war, so that it appeared doubtful 
whether it would support his family. A secret uneasiness, how- 
ever, attended his mind in reference to the change, and he re- 
marks, "My doubts increased, and one day, sitting in our reli- 
gious meeting, it plainly appeared to me that though the mind 
may be able to compass much, yet beyond its capacity it cannot 
go. If all its energies are enlisted in the concerns of the world, 
and their pressure is as great as it is capable of bearing, the all- 
important work of religion must be neglected." These impres- 



WILLIAM EVANS. IX 

sions made him afraid to risk his everlasting salvation for the 
sake of worldly emolument, and led him to the conclusion that 
it would be safer for him to decline the offer ; and when this was 
done his mind was made easy, and he was able to repose in hum- 
ble confidence in Divine Providence ; " remembering," he says, 
" that the earth is the Lord's, and the cattle on a thousand hills ; 
and He, in inscrutable wisdom and kindness, will dispense what 
He knows we need." Subsequent events showed that if he had 
followed his own inclination and judgment on the occasion re- 
ferred to, he would probably have become involved in great em- 
barrassment and anxiety, and perhaps been disqualified for that 
service in the Church which his Divine Master designed for him. 

In the Twelfth month, 1811, he was married to Deborah, 
daughter of Aaron and Abigail Musgrave. This union did not 
long continue — his beloved wife being removed by death in the 
Sixth month, 1815. 

He had very clear openings into the character and qualifica- 
tions of a minister of the Gospel several years before he was 
called to the service himself. They produced the conviction that 
all who are rightly placed in that important office are made min- 
isters by Christ, and that which they preach should be from the 
direct openings and communications of his Spirit. " These 
things," he says, "I was favored to see in the light of the Lord 
Jesus, and at times I felt as if I could stand forth as a servant 
under his authority, to proclaim the glad tidings of life and 
salvation, and gather souls in the Gospel net." Again he writes, 
"Neither the most extensively gifted nor those of the largest 
experience, have anything of their own to communicate which 
can really profit the people. All must reverently wait upon Him, 
without whom they can do nothing, and it is only as He opens the 
spring and causes it to flow afresh, that any, the least or the great- 
est, are authorized and qualified to attempt to minister to others." 

With these convictions of *the solemnity and importance of the 
work he was called into, and prepared for by submission to the 
humbling power of Truth, he first appeared in the ministry when 
accompanying his mother and another female minister on a reli- 
gious visit to New England, in the year 1817, in a sitting in a 
family where they made their home. His belief of his call to 
this weighty service was renewed and much strengthened by the 
public testimony of a beloved friend, when not long after he was 



X TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

brought under exercise at his own meeting, and on which occa- 
sion he yielded to the Divine requiring. 

In the year 1820 he was attacked with yellow fever, and such 
was the violence of the disease that there appeared little prospect 
of his recovery. "For several days during this sickness," he 
remarks, " the beams of the Sun of righteousness were entirely 
withdrawn, and the sentence of death seemed to have gone forth. 
All my former experiences were perfectly obliterated, and there 
appeared nothing left upon which I could ground my hope of 
happiness." After some time his confidence in Divine mercy 
was gradually restored — some passages of Scripture were opened, 
and the views he was again favoreti with of the humility and 
purity indispensably necessary for a minister and servant of 
Christ, raised the belief that the Divine hand was still at work. 
The language that perhaps "this sickness was not unto death, but 
for the glory of God," raised a further hope that he was not cast off, 
but that the Lord would again have mercy, and that it would prove 
the means of preparing him more acceptably to come up in his service. 

He was acknowledged as a minister in the Second month, 1822 ; 
and being preserved in a humble, watchful state of mind, depend- 
ing upon Him who had conferred the gift, he was enlarged in 
divine knowledge and utterance. Being careful to wait for the 
fresh putting forth of the Good Shepherd, his words were accom- 
panied with life and power, rendering his ministry remarkably 
baptizing and edifying. He was often led to dwell in his public 
communications upon the importance of attention to the guidance 
and teachings of the Holy Spirit, exhorting his hearers, with 
much fervency, to yield obedience to the Divine will manifested 
in the secret of the heart, and showing with clearness that the 
pathway to peace and happiness was through the operation of 
the Cross of Christ. His appearances in prayer, though not fre- 
quent in our religious meetings, were very weighty and impres- 
sive, and when so engaged he evinced much brokenness of spirit, 
manifesting his sense of the awfulness of that solemn engagement. 

His first religious visit with a minute, was to attend the Yearly 
Meeting held in Baltimore, in the year 1823. From that time 
to 1854 he was frequently engaged, with the unity of this Meeting, 
in religious service. During that period he visited all the meet- 
ings of Friends in our own Yearly Meeting, and, with few excep- 
tions, those constituting the other Yearly Meetings in this country, 



WILLIAM EVANS. XI 

and some of them several times. In returning the minutes 
granted, on the completion of these visits, he frequently acknowl- 
edged with much feeling, that in the prosecution of them he had 
mercifully experienced, from season to season, Divine help, qual- 
ifying him to perform the services to the relief and solid peace of 
his own mind. 

Being much redeemed from the love of the world, he was ena- 
bled to keep temporal things in their proper place, relying on the 
faithfulness of Him who had given him in early life the assurance 
he should not want for food and raiment. Although engaged in 
a business that depended for its success more than some others on 
close personal attention, yet he freely left it when called to go 
forth in his Master's service. 

He felt a lively interest in the guarded religious education of 
the youth of our Society, and his services in promoting this im- 
portant concern were very valuable and highly appreciated by 
those associated with him in the management of schools. 

He was a practical believer in the necessity of waiting for and 
relying upon the openings of Truth, to qualify for right decisions 
in the Church ; and being endued with a sound, discriminating 
judgment, he was much occupied and very useful in attending 
to the affairs of the Society, and he filled for a considerable time 
several important stations. In reference to the necessity of silent 
waiting as a qualification for religious service, he writes : " There 
are many lessons to be learned in silence as well as in speaking ; 
and to be brought into a state of childlike docility and obedience 
to the leadings of our heavenly Shepherd, seems to be the princi- 
pal end of all the dispensations of his wisdom. The haughtiness 
of man must be laid low, and the Lord alone exalted in that 
heart which is prepared to be acceptably engaged in his service. 
In a state of deep humility and patient waiting upon Him, we be- 
come prepared to discern the motions of his Spirit, and in simplic- 
ity to yield compliance therewith. There is as much need to learn 
to be still and to know the active, forward disposition of the human 
mind reduced to subjection, as there is to experience a willingness 
wrought to perform the Lord's will when it is manifested. He is 
a wise Master Builder, and if we abide under his preparing hand, 
He will fashion us into vessels and instruments for his use." 

Being grounded by heart-felt conviction in a belief of the au- 
thenticity and divine authority of the Holy Scriptures, the divin- 



Xll TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

ity of Christ, and the efficacy of his propitiatory offering for the 
sins of the whole world, he was brought under much concern and 
exercise, in consequence of the attempts to invalidate these all- 
important truths, and he believed it to be his duty to stand firm 
in the support of them. In common with many faithful Friends, 
at a later period he was introduced into much sorrow and anxiety, 
at the unsettlement manifested by many in profession with the 
Society, and viewed with great concern the efforts which the ad- 
versary of all good was insidiously making to introduce new views 
and practices, and draw away the members from a consistent sup- 
port of our ancient doctrines and testimonies. He was frequently 
engaged under deep religious feeling to point out the consequences 
which must result from such departures ; and earnest were his 
exhortations to his fellow-members to uphold the standard of 
Truth to which our early Friends were instrumental in gathering 
so many, illustrating by their holy lives and peaceful deaths, that 
they had not followed cunningly devised fables. 

In the Twelfth month, 1824, he was married to Elizabeth Bar- 
ton, who was at that time and until the close of her life, a highly 
esteemed minister in our Society. She was a true help meet to 
him, and tenderly sympathized with him in his exercises and trials, 
strengthened and encouraged him in the performance of his varied 
duties, and shared with him in godly concern and care for the 
preservation and true welfare of their children. In the Eleventh 
month, 1861, his beloved and valuable wife was suddenly removed 
by death. This solemn event plunged him into deep affliction, 
but an undoubted evidence was mercifully given him soon after 
his bereavement, that her redeemed spirit was partaking of the 
joys of God's salvation ; which, he writes, " raised thanksgiving 
to the Lord my God, who had been with me all my life long, fed 
me and kept me unto this day, in the hope that He would still 
condescend to be with me, sustain my head above the billows, and 
keep me in the hollow of his Omnipotent Hand, so that I may be 
enabled to fill up the measure of suffering and duty that He may 
still allot, and know all my sins to be forgiven, and my garments 
washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, and be accepted 
at the last by my gracious Redeemer." 

The shock given to his nervous system by this sudden and un- 
expected event, was great and irreparable. His sight failed rapid- 
ly, and it was not long ere he was unable to see to read or to write. 



WILLIAM EVANS. Xlll 

To one whose mind had always been active, and who had accus- 
tomed himself to employ much time in the use of the pen, or in 
the perusal of works congenial with the tone of his thoughts and 
feelings, this was a privation keenly felt. But as he was thus cut 
off from some outward sources of mental enjoyment, his attention 
was more and more withdrawn from external things, and in rev- 
erent retirement centred on the inward manifestations of the 
Holy Spirit. In this deep introversion he was often brought into 
low places and close searching of heart ; producing very humiliating 
views of himself, of his attainments in the way of holiness, and 
of his faithfulness in occupying the gifts, and making a right re- 
turn for the manifold mercies bestowed upon him. Not, as he 
said, that he found anything laid to his charge, or that there was 
any known duty which he had refused to perform ; but such was 
his sense of the frailty of human nature, and the awfulness of the 
soul, when unclothed of mortality, being ushered into the imme- 
diate presence of infinite and immaculate Purity, that he felt 
there could be no hope for him, nor for any, but as in immeasur- 
able condescension, an undoubted assurance was granted of ac- 
ceptance through that Saviour who died for poor lost man, and 
whose mercy covers the judgment-seat. 

Although much restricted by want of sight, and the continued 
though gradual decline of strength, from going far from home, he 
frequently attended different meetings in the city, and occasionally 
visited one or more in the country, at no great distance. It was 
always a source of satisfaction to him thus to mingle with his 
friends, to unite with them in waiting on the Lord, and in seek- 
ing for ability to render to Him acceptable worship in spirit and 
in truth. He was preserved in watchfulness over himself, and 
under an abiding concern that in his declining years he might do 
nothing that would bring a shade over the blessed cause he had 
so long espoused. His ministry, though not frequent, continued 
to be lively and weighty ; sometimes inviting the young to take 
the yoke of Christ upon them, so that they might secure the proper 
enjoyment of the things of this world, and a well grounded hope 
of admittance into the company of saints and angels hereafter ; 
and calling on his fellow-members not to rest satisfied with any- 
thing short of complete sanctification ; that, being grafted into 
Christ, the living Vine, they might be made fruit-bearing branches, 



XIV TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

and through the renewings of the Holy Ghost, bring forth much 
fruit, to the glory of God the Father. 

In the Sowings of gospel love toward his fellow-men, and espe- 
cially toward those of the same household of faith, he often ex- 
pressed his fervent desire for their establishment and growth in 
the unchangeable Truth ; on several occasions remarking he felt 
that if he had but bodily ability, and it was his Master's will, he 
could cheerfully go forth once more through the Society, to preach 
the glad tidings of salvation. 

As disease took stronger hold of his system, his breathing be- 
came much affected, and in the winter of 1866-67, he was unable 
for many days together to bear a recumbent position, so that it 
was difficult for him to obtain refreshing sleep, or to procure rest 
for his weary frame. His suffering, which was often great, was 
borne without complaint or murmur, often remarking that though 
he found the infirmities of the flesh as much as he could well en- 
dure, they were doubtless permitted in Divine wisdom, and were 
intended for his further refinement. 

During his long confinement he continued to maintain a lively 
interest in the welfare of our religious Society, manifesting on 
different occasions the earnest travail of his soul that Friends 
might be drawn more nearly together in the love of the gospel, 
and be willing faithfully to support the doctrines and testimonies, 
which he believed the great Head of the Church had raised up 
the Society to exemplify to the world. He was frequently visited 
by many of his beloved fellow-members, ministers and others, and 
many precious opportunities were thus afforded for retirement be- 
fore the Lord, and not unfrequently he was clothed with ability 
to minister to those present, as were others to speak in the lan- 
guage of comfort and encouragement to him. On more than one 
occasion he expressed his earnest desire that nothing might be 
said by any by way of commendation, nor, unless they felt divinely 
authorized, speak as though his salvation was secured, for he 
felt that the watch and the warfare must be continued to the end, 
if the crown immortal was through mercy obtained. Notwith- 
standing these humble views of himself, and the care manifested 
not to presume on any past experiences, he on more than one 
occasion intimated that his gracious Master had given him an 
assurance that when done with time he would be admitted into 
everlasting rest. 



WILLIAM EVANS. XV 

During the time of holding the Yearly Meeting in the Fourth 
month, 1867, he was frequently brought under much exercise. 
The separation from his friends when thus gathered to transact 
the affairs of the Church, a work which had long been dear and 
deeply interesting to him, was keenly felt ; but was borne with 
patience and resignation. At different times his spirit was bowed 
in sympathy with his brethren, earnestly desiring that the various 
important subjects before the meeting might be resulted under 
the authority of Truth, and rejoicing when he heard of seasons 
of Divine favor being granted to the assembly. 

The gradual aggravation of the symptoms of his disease con- 
tinued, there being increased feebleness of the circulation and 
almost constant difficulty of breathing. During the last few days 
of his life, he conversed very little, not only because the oppres- 
sion made it difficult for him to speak, but his mind appeared to 
be fixed in the contemplation of the change that awaited him, 
and in being fervently engaged to be found ready when the sum- 
mons came. 

His decease took place on the morning of the Twelfth of Fifth 
month, 1867 ; his redeemed spirit gently and peacefully leaving 
its suffering tenement of clay. 

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; 
yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and 
their works do follow them." 



JOURNAL. 

CHAPTEK I. 

1787—1813. 

Introduction — Parentage and Birtli — School days — Apprenticeship — Divine 
Visitation — Religious Exercises — Notices of eminent Ministers — Views of 
the Church — Excursions from the City — Experience respecting true Faith — 
Enters into Business — Scruples respecting extensive Trade — Divine promise 
of a Sufficiency — Marriage — Reflections on visits to Watering Places — Visit 
from Susanna Home and T. Scattergood — War with Great Britain — Accom- 
panies his Mother to Salem Quarterly Meeting. 

For the purpose of commemorating the mercy and goodness 
of G-od extended to me from early life, and to encourage others 
to yield to the visitations and convictions of his Holy Spirit, that 
through obedience thereto the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ 
may spread and prevail, I have believed it right from time to time, 
to preserve memorandums of his dealings with me, and to leave 
them as a testimony to his unfailing goodness and faithfulness to 
the children of men who love, serve, honor and put their trust in 
Him alone. And especially that my dear children, should they 
survive me, may be drawn more and more to dedicate themselves 
to the God of their fathers, and walking in the Truth all the days 
of their lives, become instrumental in the divine hand, in hold- 
ing up toothers the purity and spirituality of the religion of the 
Lord Jesus, as He, by his Holy Spirit, revealed it to the holy 
Apostles, and to those whom He made ministers and promulgators 
of it at the rise of our religious Society. I believe that George 
Fox, Eobert Barclay, Isaac Penington, William Penn, George 
Whitehead, and many others, were divinely prepared and anoint- 
ed by Christ Jesus, the minister of the sanctuary and true taber- 
nacle which God hath pitched and not man, for reviving and ef- 
fectually preaching the same gospel of life and salvation, in its 
original purity and clearness, which had been much lost sight of 
through a long night of apostacy. And though the spirit of 
2 (5) 



6 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1787 to 

anti-Christ, and some, who are more or less darkened and delud- 
ed by it, may seek to obscure the spiritual nature of the gospel, 
as professed from the beginning by Friends, yet a blast will be 
brought over all such attempts in the Lord's time, and He will 
raise up from generation to generation, living witnesses of the 
power and coming oi' the Lord Jesus in his spiritual appearance 
in the souls of his children — who, as they are faithful in the day 
of small things to the unfoldings of his Spirit, will be qualified 
in living faith to call Jesus, Lord and Saviour, both from what 
they have experienced of his redeeming power in their hearts, 
and from a true and certain belief of all the doctrines and pre- 
cepts of the gospel as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. 



My beloved and honored parents, Jonathan and Hannah Evans, 
were true believers in these doctrines, and their lives and conver- 
sation were consistent therewith. Walking in the simplicity and 
uprightness which the Truth leads into, they became bright ex- 
amples in the church of Christ, and growing from stature to sta- 
ture, were made pillars in the Lord's house, that went no more out. 

I was born in Philadelphia, on the 5th of the Tenth month, 
1787, and at a suitable age was placed at a school under the care 
of a member of the Monthly Meeting to which I belonged. 1 
soon contracted a strong fondness for liberty and play in the 
streets with my school-fellows, with some of whom as I grew 
in years, I was at times involved in childish disputes, more ex- 
cited by rude boys, who delighted to urge a Quaker child into 
broils, than from any fondness myself for such collision — 
though I felt a strong disinclination to submit to imposition. 
I underwent much persecution in the street on account of a 
plain dress, an aversion to which increased with age. My 
mother watched over us with affectionate and religious solici- 
tude, taking suitable opportunities to induce serious reflection, 
telling us that our Heavenly Father saw us wherever we were 
and knew all that we did — that He was displeased when we 
did wrong, and that there was a place of everlasting punish- 
ment if we died in sin — but on the contrary, He would continue 
to love us if we did right, and receive us into heaven if we thus 
lived and died in his favor. But she did not adopt the modern 
system, relying entirely upon reasoning with the children to 
con unce their understanding, but at times resorted to correc- 



1798.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. ? 

tion to support authority and procure submission to her dic- 
tates. 

Keeping to the truth and strict integrity were early incul- 
cated and enforced, any departure from which brought distress 
over me. 

Disinclination to restraint increased with years, and condem- 
nation for sin rendered serious things and the society of religi- 
ous people irksome to me. I sought the company of those 
whose passions and propensities were unsubjected, and took 
more satisfaction in their conversation than in the sobriety and 
reserve of the lovers of the cross. By such means corruption 
strengthened, the innocency of childhood was tarnished, and 
my carnal appetites began to seek indulgences totally at vari- 
ance with purity of heart, and that life which my parents earn- 
estly labored to inculcate and keep their children in. 

In the year 1798, one of my brothers and myself were sent 
to the country for the school vacation, to board with Philip and 
Hannah Price, in Kingsessing township, where we remained 
till the yellow fever appeared in the city. Their son's family 
moving out there, we were taken to Darby and placed at school. 
This was a sorrowful change to us — among strangers and in a 
family which seemed to have little interest in us. We felt keenly 
the separation from our parents, and those Friends in whose 
house we had enjoyed ourselves, and to whom w r e had become 
much attached, particularly Hannah Price, who had been very 
kind and attentive to us. Those feelings of sadness eventually 
subsided in a measure, and some persons coming into the family 
not very proper for us to associate with, I sought for gratifica- 
tion in their society, which was far from contributing to my 
benefit, and thereby the way was opened to temptation and in- 
creased insensibility. Being from under the care of my parents, 
who did not leave the city for several weeks, and released from 
the restraint which their example and presence often inspired, 
I indulged in light and loose conversation, for which 1 was 
brought under condemnation, and would have been ashamed 
they should have been apprised of. 

It was a time of awful calamity in Philadelphia; many fled 
to the country, which made it difficult to procure accommoda- 
tions, and as soon as it could be effected our family removed from 
the city into Upper Darby, where several of them were taken 
sick with the fever. This kept my brother and myself away 



8 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1799 

from them longer than they desired. It is, however, very im- 
portant to place children, when sent from home, with religious 
caretakers, who feel the obligation to watch over their morals, 
and to guard them from the contaminating influence of de- 
praved domestics or persons hired as laborers, who have had 
little care bestowed upon their bringing up, and are not under 
the government of religious principles. We did not return 
to the city until late in the fall, after frost and snow; the ma- 
lignancy of the fever rendering it unsafe for those who had been 
inhaling a pure atmosphere, to return before a thorough change 
had been effected by frost. 

In the Fifth month, 1799. the boarding school at Westtown, 
instituted by our Yearly Meeting, was opened for the reception 
of scholars, and I was one of the first twenty admitted there, 
my brother Joseph also remaining a few months. It was quite a 
novel scene, and required time before a proper system of order 
and government was established. Everything seemed in a crude 
state ; the yards not laid out and regulated, shavings and chips 
from the hewed timber and the shingles, the woods grown up 
very thick with bushes, so that it was difficult to get through 
them, all contributed to give the whole a rude appearance. All 
this made work and amusement for the boys, who employed 
themselves under the supervision of the teachers in burning up 
the great beds of shavings, cutting openings for walks through 
the woods, and making arbors with seats to recreate themselves 
in during the warm weather. 

The school was frequently visited by the committee of the 
Yearly Meeting who had the charge of the institution, and by 
ministers travelling through the country. Under their ministry 
and sometimes in the silent meetings, my mind was brought to 
contemplate the character of the holy men of old who served 
God in their generation, and sincere desires were sometimes 
felt that I might become like them. I was full of activity in 
the amusements and recreations which we were allowed, keep- 
ing pace with most of my schoolmates in the studies pursued 
at that early period of the school, and was quite contented, 
while some indulged a fault-finding disposition. Sometimes I 
took liberties with others in going beyond our prescribed bounds, 
but was restrained from any very flagrant violations of order, 
or joining the worst boys in bad language, or a systematic de- 
fiance of the authority of the teachers. On one provocation I 



1800.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 9 

used a bad expression resembling swearing, which struck me 
with horror. 

Our anxious parents frequently wrote us letters containing 
excellent advice, showing their religious concern for our welfare ; 
of which the following are extracts: 

From my mother, dated Fifth month, 21, 1799 : 

"I hope my dear children you do not forget our anxious con- 
cern and solicitude for your good when present with us, and I 
trust it hath not abated, but desires are raised that the Lord 
may be pleased to take you under his peculiar care and notice, 
and that you may indeed be afraid to offend Him in word or 
action. Be obedient to those who have the care over you, and 
kindly affectionate one to another. Endeavor after stillness, 
and remember the many favors you receive; and may the 
reverent inquiry of your minds be, What shall I render unto the 
Lord for ali his blessings ? Your dear father set off this morn- 
ing with Ruth A. Eutter and Sarah Cresson to Ehode Island, 
and as he had not time to write, desired his love to be remem- 
bered to you, and that you would let us hear from you as often 
as you can. 

" With desires for your preservation in the innocency and 
simplicity of the Truth I conclude. 

" Your affectionate mother, 

"Hannah Evans." 

After my beloved father's return from his journey with E. A. 
Eutter and S. Cresson, he wrote us frequently — from one of his 
letters the following is taken : — 

Philadelphia, 19th of Second month, 1800. 
My Dear Children : — I have been much concerned on your 
account for some time past, understanding several of the boys 
had given a great deal of trouble to those who had the care of 
them ; and though I could scarcely think either of you were of 
the number, yet not hearing anything particular, my mind was 
made very uneasy, but I hope better things of you. And if at 
any time you feel any disquietude of mind, be patient and 
endeavor to bear your trials in meekness, looking with reverent 
confidence to your great Creator, who compassionately regards 
every sigh and tear of the sincere in heart; whether they be 
children or more advanced in years. But then we must also at 



10 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1800 to 

all times strive to conduct so as not to grieve hh Holy Spirit in 
our hearts, which is a continual witness against every evil 
thought, word or action. Let your innocent, circumspect 
deportment be observed by all; join not with any in the least 
evil, but let the fear of the Lord be ever present with you, and 
that will keep you harmless, and make you dear unto ilim and 
to all good people. 

S|S JfC 3(C 5fC Jp yft 

Your mother joins me in near love to you both, desiring your 
welfare every way. Your loving father, 

Jona. Evans. 

Philadelphia, 21st of Ninth month, 1800. 
Dear Children: — Feeling desirous at all times you may do 
well, I cannot but endeavor to revive in your remembrance the 
necessity of attending with all diligence, to the small, gentle 
intimations and reproofs of the Holy Spirit of Truth in your 
own minds. Keep near to its blessed instructions at all times, 
and it will preserve in every season of trial and difficulty, and 
as an inexhaustible fountain, sustain your little minds when 
depressed with anxious thoughts or discouraging fears. This is 
the alone way to happiness here or blessedness hereafter. For 
in obedience to this light in our minds, w T e are brought to love 
the Lord our most gracious Redeemer above all, and by Him 
are regarded as his children, w T hich is treasure indeed, that 
raises the spirit above earthly pleasures, to a sense of the un- 
speakable comforts in the regions of immortal bliss. Here, in 
this state the fear of death is taken away, because w^c know 
that in the presence of the Lord there is life, and as we are kept 
near him, nothing can hurt us. Now, my dear children, let mo 
earnestly entreat you, to mind the reproofs which you feel for 
doing wrong; this is the Spirit of Truth I have been speaking 
of, and as you carefully attend to it, it will lead into all truth — 
you will fear to offend by a repetition of those things, for which 
you have been reproved. It penetrates through every cover- 
ing, and no dissimulation can possibly escape its all-searching 
power. Whenever through unwatch fulness you have given 
way to temptation, and by the merciful calls of this holy teacher, 
you become sensible of it, retire alone, and endeavor to get your 
minds drawn from every outward thing, to a reverential waiting 
upon your Holy Creator for a renewal of his light and grace 
upon you, that you may be strengthened to resist the enemy of 



1802.J JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 11 

all good in his future attempts ; and be sure to avoid those 
things that have thus beguiled you, and brought distress upon 
the tender mind; for in this watchful state your miods will 
often be tendered, and at times sincere petitions will ascend for 
preservation, and support in this world of vanity and trouble. 
# * * * * * 

Your affectionate father, Jona. Evans. 

Philadelphia, Fifth month 6th, 1801. 

Dear Child: — I received thy letter dated 4th inst., and was 
glad to hear of thyself and sister being in health, which is a 
blessing among the many received, we ought to be thankful for. 
Indeed, many are the obligations we are under to that bountiful 
hand from whence all our blessings flow. Let us then evince 
our gratitude by endeavoring to L>ve Him above all, and then 
we shall bo afraad to offend Him in thought, word or deed. My 
dear child, I feel anxious for thy preservation, and desire thou 
may be careful to associate with such of thy school-mates, as 
are most seriously inclined ; and be sure not to do anything, in 
the absence of those who have the care over thee, that thou 
wouldst be afraid they should know, or that would in any 
degree wound thy own mind. Learn to love silence ; and seek 
for strength, that thou may be preserved in time of temptation. 

With love to thyself and sister, conclude thy affectionate 
mother, Hannah Evans. 



My brother had been taken from the school at this time on 
account of his health, and one of my sisters introduced there — 
The above letter, expressive of the best wishes of an anxious 
and affectionate mother, was addressed to me, but at that time 
I was too full of my own plans for recreation and enjoyment, to 
give that heed to such solicitude for a wild son, as I ought to 
have done, yet I have no doubt these admonitions had a restrain- 
ing influence, and at times tended to bring me to some serious 
reflection. 

In the Second month of 1802, being then a little over fourteen 
years of age, I was removed from the school, having been there 
about two years and nine months, and being rather young to be 
placed an apprentice, my father got me into the counting-house 
of two Friends, in the flour business, in order to acquire some 
knowledge of book-keeping. Their store was on the wharf, and 



12 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1S02 to 

when there was nothing urgent in the business, my inclination 
led me into the company of persons in the neighborhood whose 
sentiments and habits were not congenial with a religious life ; 
and thus had it not been for the mercy of my Heavenly Father, 
I was in great danger of entering rapidly the broad way to 
destruction. The yellow fever again appeared in the city this 
summer, and after leaving the store on that account, I did not 
return to it, but in the fall of the year 1802, was apprenticed to 
a Friend to learn the drug business. Being introduced to a 
strange family and business, I endured new difficulties. It was 
the business of my choice, but after the novelty had in measure 
subsided, I began to question whether 1 had made a proper 
selection, and for a while felt unsettled ; but reflecting that it was 
done after some deliberation, and that if I left it for any other, 
I might find the same difficulty to contend with, I concluded to 
endeavor to make myself satisfied, hoping that* 1 should find it 
. as suitable as any other I could adopt, and accordingly applied 
myself to the business and the interests of my master, as well as 
I was capable. 

In my new situation I had many temptations to war with 
from within and without. The business of a store that was 
much frequented, subjected me to intercourse with those who 
knew little or nothing of the work of religion, and a volatile, 
active spirit often led me from under the cross into converse 
with such, by which I suffered loss. I was much separated from 
the care of anxious and exercised parents, and though I was 
afraid of close intimacy with young persons who were of a 
libertine class, yet more or less I was drawn into the company 
of two of them residing near the store, but their wicked habits 
and conversation created a dread in me of being joined to and 
carried into their depraved practices. One fine winter evening, 
my master's sleigh and horses having been out, he told the 
apprentices wo might take a ride, and accordingly with one of 
these young men, we set off, and rode out a few miles to the 
bank of the Schuylkill, where this young man proj:>osed we 
should go into a tavern and get something to drink. This was 
a new proposition to me, upon which I hesitated — having never 
been accustomed to go to taverns, or drink anything like ardent 
spirits. We got out of the sleigh, but I did not move from the 
side of it, and while hesitating, the countenance of my father 
presented to my view, as though he had suddenly appeared 



1808.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 13 

before me, which immediately conveyed the idea of disapproba- 
tion, and I gave my voice against going into the tavern, and we 
accordingly resumed our seats and rode home. This was an 
evidence of the watchful care of the unslumbering Shepherd of 
the sheep, in bringing to my mind the conviction, that were my 
father present I would not dare to go into such a place, and 
further shows the importance of the circumspect deportment of 
parents before their children, and of the application of salutary 
restraint towards them. 

Notwithstanding I had been thus far carefully educated and 
watched over by my parents, attended steadily the meetings for 
worship to which I belonged, and had been taught in the prin- 
ples of the Christian religion as set forth in the New Testament, 
and in the writings and journals of Friends ; believing that Jesus 
Christ was the Saviour of the world, that He died for all man- 
kind, and w^ould save all who were obedient to Him : that my 
Heavenly Father who is almighty, saw me wherever I was and 
.every thought and every action that I did, and by his Holy 
Spirit in the heart convicted me for sin, bringing me under the 
fear of death and everlasting torment, but gave peace whenever 
I resisted temptation and did right; yet so far as I can remem- 
ber, I had never yet had a full sense of my lost condition, and 
the necessity of an entire change of heart, in order that I might 
be brought into his favor, and sanctified so as to be fitted for 
spiritual communion w T ith Him. My father frequently read the 
Bible to us, as well as other religious books, particularly on 
First-day. One evening when collected for that purpose, I read 
to the family William Leddra's epistle, written the day before 
he was executed. It had a very powerful effect on me, tender- 
ing my heart in an unusual degree, and bringing me to trem- 
bling ; under which I was favored with an extraordinary 
visitation of heavenly love, producing a sense of my sinful, 
impure condition, and fervent desires after holiness — that I 
might become changed, and hereafter live a life of acceptance 
with my Heavenly Father. I had never had the same view of 
myself, nor felt the same willingness and desire to dedicate 
myself to Him as at that time. The savor of it continued many 
days. The light of Christ shone clearly into my heart, showing 
me that many of my habits were contrary to the Divine purity 
and must be abandoned — that many of my words were light 
and unsavory, and a guard must be placed at the door of my 



14 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1802 to 

lips. Love flowed in my heart towards my gracious Almighty 
Parent pre-eminently, and then towards all men as brethren 
and creatures of the same all-powerful hand. I desired above 
all things to be with Jesus, and to know Him to continue with 
me, and at that time it seemed as if He did condescend to mani- 
fest himself in a clear manner, so that his countenance was 
lovely, and I walked under his guidance and protection with 
great delight. It was the baptism unto repentance, the day of 
my espousals — the beginning of a new life; and while favored 
with these heavenly feelings, I thought nothing would be too 
hard to part with in obedience to the will of my Saviour. 

From this time I began to love retirement and serious medi- 
tation, and to present myself in the presence of the Lord to 
partake of his favor, and know my strength from time to time 
renewed. I felt more than ever bound to be faithful to my 
master in all things, both in the performance of the duties of 
the station, and in taking care of his property and the interests 
of the business ; appropriating nothing to my own use that did 
not belong to me. To do justly and faithfully in all things as 
in the Divine sight, was one of the earliest requisitions. If I 
accidentally broke anything of value, I was not easy to conceal 
it from him, though sometimes it was a trial to tell him of it, 
but when I did inform him under feelings of regret, it seemed 
to disarm him from blaming me. 

The heavenly visitation which I have described was like the 
baptism of love unto repentance, in which I felt confident, like 
Peter, of adhering closely to the Master, though others might 
forsake Him. He knew when it was proper to withdraw those 
sensible manifestations of his presence and support under which 
I was forming such conclusions, and when the dispensation was 
changed, and no comeliness could be seen in Him or in myself, 
I soon found that my constancy would be easily shaken. 
There was a wilderness travel to pass through, in which I was 
to feel the strength of my evil propensities, and the subtlety 
and power of Satan as I never yet had witnessed. The change 
was hard to endure, and though I strove for a time to maintain 
the ground I had taken, yet being assailed again and again 
with temptation, and looking at it instead of looking towards 
Him, who alone could preserve me, I let go my faith in his 
unfailing regard, concluded I might as well gratify myself this 
once, and when I had yielded, distress came upon me. Having 



1808] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. • 15 

cast away my shield, I felt like a poor fallen creature, unwor- 
thy of Divine notice, and not likely to be again favored with it. 
Shut up in darkness the tempter vaunted over me, and sug- 
gested that it was not worth while for me to attempt to walk 
in the narrow way, that I would not be able to resist and con- 
trol my passions and inclinations, and therefore might as well 
continue to indulge them. 

To be thus overcome at the commencement of the warfare, 
and so soon deprived of those heavenly sensations which I had 
enjoyed in the presence and company of the Deliverer of the 
captive soul, filled me with sadness, and I went mourning on 
my way. Divine displeasure was administered, but in the 
midst of judgment, the Lord remembered mercy, and through 
the operation of his blessed Spirit, brought me again into ten- 
derness of heart, and I was humbled under a sense of my un- 
worthiness of his condescension and love towards such a poor 
rebellious creature. 

I was educated in the belief that divine worship was per- 
formed in spirit and in truth, and that the qualification for this 
essential duty was to be waited for in the silence of all flesh. 
When in meeting I endeavored to have my mind gathered from 
all visible things, and at times was favored with the presence 
of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls, who is in the midst of 
those who are met together in his name, sometimes tendering 
my spirit with his goodness, and at others instructing me in 
those things which pertain to salvation ; and I felt it to be a re- 
ligious duty diligently to attend all the meetings to which I 
belonged as they came in course. 

My father's house was visited by many of the most substan- 
tial Friends, of whose company I was glad, and was interested 
and instructed by their solid conversation, and sometimes by 
religious opportunities in the family. Thomas Scattergood, 
whose first wife was a sister of my mother, frequently visited 
us, and having a peculiar gift for entering into the condition of 
others, he mostly had a word of counsel or encouragement to 
the children. 

Having never been accustomed to keep much company, and 
believing that a retired life was best for me, I contracted very 
little intimacy, excepting with one or two persons of a serious 
character. Our business required attention until 10 o'clock in 
the evening, and when it was my turn to be at the store at 



16 * JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1802 to 

night, if the business admitted of it, I passed the time in medi- 
tation, and reading religious, historical or scientific works. I 
had frequent conversation on points of doctrine with an orderly 
young man, a methodist, apprenticed in the neighborhood to 
the same business, and a few times accompanied him to their 
meeting, out of curiosity to observe their mode of worship ; but 
I never saw anything among them that attracted me, or pro- 
duced any dissatisfaction with my own religious profession. 
On the contrary, in some of their prayer meetings, the passions 
appeared to be much excited, and their efforts to convert per- 
sons from their evil ways, that they might "get religion," as 
they call it, seemed to operate much through the nervous system. 
Familiar association with other professors, or attending their 
meetings, appears to me quite improper for the members of our 
Society. Those whose feelings are lively may be caught by the 
excitement, and receive a bias which may unsettle them a long 
time, perhaps through life. If we keep to our divine Lord and 
Master, He will instruct ns in the mysteries of his kingdom, and 
nourish with the -bread and water of life which He gives, by 
which the inner man will be strengthened, and the soul made 
wiser than all teachers who are acting in their own spirit. 
"He that drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but he that 
drinketh of the water that I shall give him," said Christ, "shall 
never thirst, but it shall be in him a well of w T ater springing 
up unto everlasting life." 

I had now put my hand to the plough, and hoped never to look 
back again into the condition I was once in ; but a long fight 
of affliction was passed through, before I was in any good de- 
gree brought from under the bonds of corruption. Refraining 
from company, tended to keep me out of the w r ay of the gross 
evils which abound in populous cities, yet for want of watch- 
fulness and close obedience to the will of my Heavenly Father, 
I was often overcome by temptation, which brought great dis- 
tress upon me. In my trouble I looked towards Him whom I 
had offended, and in mercy He would bring me up out of the 
pit and put a new song of thanksgiving into my heart. These 
seasons of rejoicing were succeeded by feelings of great strip- 
pedness, and instead of keeping the faith and patiently waiting 
for the appearance of my Lord, I was too easily drawn aside 
again by a light and frothy spirit, and received fresh wounds 
from my enemy. He seemed to rejoice over me, and suggested 



1808.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 17 

that it was impossible for me to overcome, which I was sometimes 
ready to fear would be the case ; yet through all my combats, 
the power of darkness over me, and the strength of my pro- 
pensities to evil, gradually diminished. I frequently walked 
into solitary places, either for the purpose of meditation or to 
bemoan my condition, and one dark night in the skirts of the 
city, where no sound was heard but the howling of some dogs, 
I thought the state of my mind bore a strong resemblance to 
the darkness of the night and the doleful noise of those crea- 
tures. When I was thus plunged, and endeavored to bear it 
patiently and steadfastly, He whose tender mercies are over all 
his works, again appeared in the needful time with healing in 
his wings, and then I rejoiced in his judgments as well as his 
mercies, and would be thankful that I had endured instead of 
seeking relief in a wrong way. 

At one time when I was passing through much mental con- 
flict, an impression was distinctly made upon my mind that at 
a certain period I should be favored with a renewed visitation. 
It was a season of great trial to Friends of this city, in which I 
partook very keenly according to my capacity; and when it had 
in some measure passed over, a divine visitation was extended 
to me of the most remarkable character I had yet experienced; 
in which I saw in the openings of divine light, the power of 
darkness whence all temptation proceeded, and was also favored 
to see the power of divine Grace which was over all, and as it 
is obeyed, would effectually give the victory over all sin to those 
who unreservedly give themselves up to it. I never had before 
such a clear and undoubted sense of the two powers of light 
and life, and of death and darkness, and my faith was strong 
and unshaken in the unlimited superiority of the former over 
the latter. But instead of hiding it in my own heart and 
quietly dwelling under its heavenly operation, I spoke of it too 
freely to my religious companions, desirous that they should see 
it as clearly as I did, and thereby talked it much away, and 
failed to partake of the full benefit of the divine visitation as I 
ought to have done. 

During my apprenticeship there was a large "body of substan- 
tial ministers and elders of extraordinary gifts belonmno; to our 
Yearly Meeting; and as I made progress, though slowly and often 
in a halting way, in religious experience, my concern strength- 
ened to attend meetings for discipline, as well as for worship. 



18 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1802 to 

Those large annual assemblies, where there was such a concen- 
tration of gifts, talents and religious weight, were very interest- 
ing, especially when a concern for the welfare and encourage- 
ment of the young members took hold of them. George Dill- 
wyn, who reminded me of the beloved disciple that leaned on 
Jesus' bosom, rarely forgot those who were in difficulty and 
needed help, and he was at times very instructive in his appli- 
cation of doctrine to the different states and growths, and very 
cheering to the youthful disciple. The gravity w T ith which 
they sat in those assemblies, and the solemnity with which 
many of them delivered their sentiments were impressive on 
young minds, and tended to inspire a love for the religion which 
produced such men, and such fruits, and for the beauty and dig- 
nity of the church and its concerns. Eli Yarnall was remark- 
able for the inwardness of his spirit, his great caution in speak- 
ing, and the peculiar brightness of his countenance, reminding 
me of Stephen, of whom, it is said, that all who beheld him, 
" saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." 

Our Quarterly Meeting was held in the North house, in Key's 
alley. A large number of ministers belonged to i,t; and during 
my minority Ann Alexander paid a religious visit to this 
country, whose Gospel labors were evidently from a living 
spring. At one of these meetings she foretold in a very im- 
pressive manner the reduction of the ministers, and the scarcity 
of spiritual food instrumentally communicated. I concluded 
then to treasure up the prediction for the purpose of ascertain- 
ing what dependence could be placed upon it — and it has since 
been fully and strikingly realized. A number in that station 
were in a few years removed by death, others have fallen away, 
several joined with the separation which took place in 1827, 
and very few in our Quarterly Meeting have since been raised 
up. 

William Savery, a minister much beloved and very decided in 
his public testimony to the divinity, and the various offices of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, died during my apprenticeship. I at- 
tended the Market street Meeting on the evening of the 25th 
of the Twelfth month when he preached, appearing to be in a 
declining state of health, and which I believe w T as the last time 
he appeared in the ministry in a public meeting. What made 
the opportunity more impressive was his pallid countenance, 
and the text with which he rose, " Abraham saw my day and 



1808] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 19 

was glnd," and which he uttered with a heavenly spirit and 
solemn tone of voice. This w T as the subject of all others which 
lay near his heart — and he was an indefatigable advocate for 
the truths and the importance of Christianity, 

Kebecca Jones, a minister and mother in Israel, who had paid 
a religious visit to Friends in England, and was highly esteemed 
by her contemporaries, for religious experience, a sound judg- 
ment and spiritual discernment, resided in this city, and her 
house was frequented by ministers and elders, and the younger 
members coming under the love of the Truth, who sought the 
benefit of her counsel and instructive conversation. Her cir- 
cumstances were limited — at one time she kept a school for 
small children — and sold some books and articles of dress worn 
by females of plain habit. Among others who visited her com- 
pact habitation in Brooke's court, I was one who found the way 
there, after being brought under religious concern. She treated 
her young friends in a kind and affable manner, and yet with 
Christian dignity and gravity ; sometimes entertaining them 
with anecdotes of her early religious life, or her travels, particu- 
larly in Europe, having in view the object of drawing them into 
a love for the Truth, or strengthening their desires and resolu- 
tions to persevere in the good way in which they had commenced 
walking. She told me that when quite a young woman, after 
the power of Truth had taken hold of her heart, and brought 
her to seek for those things which belong to the everlasting 
welfare of the immortal soul, she was introduced to the house 
of Daniel Stanton, then one of the principal ministers in this 
city. It was a place of resort for the young converts of that 
time, and deriving much help from the society of that valuable 
man, she then concluded if she ever became a housekeeper, her 
house should be open to the visits of persons seeking after 
heavenly treasure. Her conclusions were realized to the com- 
fort of many. In a little religious communication one evening 
to a young Friend and myself, she gave us the excellent advice, 
which had been given to her in early experience, "Keep near to 
Truth, and the friends of Truth, and the Truth will keep you." 
It made a strong impression, and so far I have realized its 
verity, and have had frequent occasion to hand it to others. 
To have such a Friend to resort to when beset with temptation, 
or closely tried with desertion and poverty of spirit, was a 
great benefit to the weary, inexperienced traveller; from whose 



20 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1802 to 

company we sometimes returned comforted and cheered to hold 
on our way. 

My uncle Thomas Scattergood's residence was a house of 
similar resort, where the mourner found a deeply sympathizing 
friend, and the young soldier one who had large experience in 
the trials of the spiritual warfare, and who gladly seized the 
opportunity of cheering him on to victory. Sometimes when I 
have visited him, and would silently sit without doing anything 
to prompt him to conversation, — for he passed mueh time in 
meditation and in communion with, the Lord, — he would brighten 
up, and enter into the subject which he knew had taken hold 
of my mind, and relate portions of his own experience and 
travels — or of the openings of Truth in his mind relative to the 
great cause of universal righteousness, and the events passing 
in Christendom. He was not only remarkable for the gift of 
the ministry of the gospel of life and salvation, but also for the 
spirit of prophecy, with which he was at times clearly endowed, 
and under which he often foretold coming events; being a man 
who lived in the Spirit and walked in the Spirit, and to whom 
the Lord condescended to make known his secrets relating to 
the spiritual condition of others, and of his works among the 
children of men. I loved him much, and he manifested his 
love and interest for me, like a tender father in the Truth. 

As I advanced through my apprenticeship, at times deeply 
afflicted that I did not gain that victory over my passions and 
propensities, which I believed through the grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, the obedient soul would attain — at others' consoled 
with his peace and the blessed hope that I should eventually 
be made a conqueror, over all the powers of darkness ; I was 
often favored with clear views of the condition of the true 
church, clothed with the sun, having the moon under her feet, 
and of the certainty that the prophecies would be fulfilled in 
the Lord's way and time, when the earth shall be filled with 
the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, and righteousness 
shall cover it as the waters do the sea. It then appeared 
clearly to me, that the members of our religious Society col- 
lected in the capacity of Yearly, Quarterly and Monthly Meet- 
ings, ought individually, as members of Christ's visible church, 
to wait upon Him for wisdom, ability and authority, to engage 
in and to manage the affairs of the church. That the work is 
the Lord's; that it is his prerogative to select whom lie will to 



1808.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 21 

take an active part therein ; and that such should depend upon 
the immediate aid of his Holy Spirit, in the discharge of the 
various duties, which pertain to the oversight of the flock — in. 
reclaiming or disowning transgressors, and in the general 
administration of the discipline. Also that those who were not 
called upon to take so active a part as some others, would never- 
theless have their allotment of service, both in a silent, spiritual 
travail for the prevalence of Divine life and power in our meet- 
ings, and at times in showing their unity with the judgment 
and concerns of others. 

The dignified station of a minister and messenger of the 
gospel of Christ, for the purpose of gathering souls to Him and 
exalting his name and kingdom among men, was opened before 
me, and I fully believed that all who are rightly placed in that 
honorable office, are made ministers by Christ himself; and that 
what they preach should be from the direct openings and com- 
munication of his Spirit in the heart, who only knows when 
his flock need instrumental help, and what is suited to their 
respective conditious. These things I was favored to see in the 
light of the Lord Jesus, and at times I felt as if I could stand 
forth as a servant under his authority to proclaim the glad 
tidings of life and salvation, and gather souls in the gospel net. 

While an apprentice, I accompanied my mother and two 
other ministers of our meeting to Cain Quarterly Meeting. 
This introduced me to some substantial Friends in the country, 
whose society and conversation were very interesting and 
instructive, particularly of that innocent-spirited and lively 
minister, James Wilson of the Western Quarter, who was then 
at Cain. To sit down in a strange meeting and partake of sen- 
sations either of enjoyment or suffering, and to mingle with 
Friends at the different houses where we were entertained, was 
a new scene, and gave rise to views and feelings, of a cast con- 
tributing to my attachment to the cause of Truth. At another 
time I was sent to Oley with Mercy Ellis and her companion, 
who had visited the families of our Monthly Meeting. It took 
us two days to accomplish it. We put up at Thomas Lee's, 
and on the following morning I intended to return, but the 
weather set in wet and I was persuaded to stay their meeting. 
Among strangers and the weather gloomy, I felt depressed ; but 
going to their meeting, rny mind was replenished with a sense 
of the love of my Heavenly Father, which was a full reward 
3 



22 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1802 to 

for the difficulty I had in taking these dear Friends thus far on 
their journey homeward. I believe it is good for young people 
(o be in the way of the society of substantial Friends, and to 
cherish a disposition to wait upon them and aid them in the 
prosecution of their religious services: a blessing will attend 
those who render such assistance from sincere motives, inas- 
much as " lie that giveth to one of these a cup of cold water, in 
the name of a disciple, shall receive a disciple's reward." 

David Sands, an eminent minister belonging to New York 
Yearly Meeting, visited our city about this period. His minis- 
try was peculiar, addressed to the states of the people, and at 
times describing in very vivid terms the joys of a future state 
prepared for the righteous, which had a quickening effect. He 
came to my father's house ; I felt a particular desire that he 
would preach to one of my brothers and myself, he being 
reputed a man who was favored with a clear discernment of the 
conditions of people. He did address us in that way, but 
not according to my wishes. He simply told us that we knew 
the path we should walk in, and exhorted us to keep in it. 
But I wanted something more definite and impressive, like the 
Syrian, a little display of divine power and condescension in 
opening our particular states. 

In the course of my exercises, I was at times persuaded that 
it would become my place to engage in the work of the minis- 
try; and had I been faithful in denying self and steadfastly 
bearing the cross as I ought to have done, it is not improbable 
I should have been sufficiently reduced into the state of a little 
child, so as to be entrusted with the gift at an earlier period of 
life. But my unstable nature was hard to curb, and though 
this prospect at times presented, and some hints were given by 
others, yet not having a distinct pointing of duty to engage in 
it, and being persuaded of the great importance of being right 
in that weighty work, T dared not to put forth a hand, until the 
period came round in which a necessity was laid upon me, and 
the fear came over me, that by putting off, I should be left in 
darkness. 

About the seventeenth year of my age, our beloved friend 
Sarah Cresson, a valuable minister, staying then at my father's, 
suggested whether I would not derive benefit from reading 
Eobert Barclay's Apology. I had occasionally looked into it, 
but not thoroughly, and at her suggestion, I went through the 



1808.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 23 

work, which was of use, confirming me in the doctrines of the 
Christian religion as held by Friends, and as they were oj^ened 
to me in reading the Holy Scriptures. I consider it the clearest 
and best argumentative exposition of the principles and the 
effects of the Christian religion, in print. 

After having passed through many baptisms and mortifying 
dispensations in order to reduce the old inhabitants of the land; 
and also experienced many seasons of divine consolation, 
wherein I was enabled to pour out my soul before the Lord, and 
fervently to desire to be made one of his children, and to serve 
Him all the days of my life, it pleased Him to hide his face from 
me, and to withdraw the sensible influences of his blessed Spirit; 
through which alone we derive living faith, and are enabled 
savingly to believe in Him. The enemy soon took advantage 
of this bereaved condition, and started the doubt whether Jesus 
Christ was my Saviour. I remembered that He had declared: 
"My sheep hear my voice and they follow me;" and then I 
began to doubt whether I was one of his sheep ; for Satan 
insinuated that I had never heard his voice. This was a new 
trial; but when I was so clouded that I could not be certain I 
had really heard the voice of the true Shepherd, then the devil 
raised the doubt, whether Jesus Christ was the Son of God ; and 
without having done anything that I knew of, to bring myself 
into this state, I found I was incapable of really believing in the 
Saviour of the world. I felt no disposition to deny or to reject 
Him, but I could not command that faith in the Lord Jesus 
Christ, which I had heretofore, as I once thought, possessed. 
Great distress and anxiety came upon me. Unwilling to lose 
my faith, I searched the Holy Scriptures, and diligently read 
various religious works which I hoped would restore the lost 
pearl ; but it was all in vain. I was utterly unable to regain my 
faith in Christ, which had been an anchor to my soul in many 
tossings and tempests. For a long time I was kept shut up in 
this condition, until I crave over searching books, or striving to 
satisfy myself by any argument. I looked up to my Heavenly 
Father, but all was hid from me, and I wondered how it was, 
that I should be unable to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who 
T had been taught to believe and never before doubted, was the 
Saviour; and yet through all, something kept me steadfast and 
patient; and I never told any one of my suffering condition. 

One evening as I was walking out for meditation, according 



24 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1802 to 

to my frequent custom, with my mind turned towards the Lord, 
He whom my soul sought above all things, suddenly came to 
his temple, and by his Holy Spirit, revived my faith, and gave 
me to see, that He alone is the author of that faith which 
entereth within the vail, and giveth victory over the world, the 
flesh, and the devil; and that it is not founded merely on what 
is read, hut is really of the operation of God on the heart. I 
rejoiced exceedingly and gave thanks to Him who is worthy of 
all praise and honor, and who will not give his glory to another 
I could now firmly believe in the Lord Jesus as my Saviour, 
because of the renewed revelation by the Holy Spirit giving me 
that faith in Him — and through mercy I have never since been 
permitted to feel any doubt respecting his divinity, his media- 
tion, or any of his offices in the redemption and salvation of 
man. I record this under a sense of my own nothingness, and 
for the purpose of exalting the glory of his Grace; believing 
that the foundation of true gospel, saving faith is the immediate 
manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and it is this which draws the 
dedicated soul to Christ, and enables it to believe in Him 
savingly, to rely upon and to follow Him in the regeneration, 
as our Eedeemer and the Captain of our salvation. This faith 
works by love, and this love is evidenced and maintained in 
obedience. No man can be in the true faith unless Jesus Christ 
dwells in him ; and where He rules, the fruits and the works of 
the Spirit will be brought forth; and the faith of such, though 
it may be tried as gold in the fire, will be renewed from time to 
time, and give the victory over all the powers of darkness. 

Although this trial occurred some time before I was of age, I 
have often referred to it since as a peculiar favor and blessing, 
especially when the separation of the Hicksites drew on ; inas- 
much, as that turned upon the denial of the divinity and atone- 
ment of the Lord Jesus — and also when some have been dis- 
posed to make the Holy Scriptures the origin and foundation of 
true faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. They are an invaluable 
record of all those things most surely believed by the faithful 
followers of Christ, who have the opportunity of reading them, 
but it is God alone who can give true and saving faith in his 
beloved Son and in the truths of the Gospel, and it is by his 
mercy we are preserved to the end in possession of that faith. 

When I became of age the prospect of commencing business 
for myself involved me in serious thoughtfulness, but as it was 



1808.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 25 

for my support, I took a house and opened a drug store in a 
moderate way, in the Twelfth month, 1808; but while it was a 
necessary duty to provide for my own subsistence, the kingdom 
of heaven and the righteousness thereof were in my view, prim- 
ary to everything else. I set out with the desire to have the 
world kept under foot, and to devote myself to the Lord and to 
whatever service He might call to; at the same time it was my 
settled conviction, that 10 provide things honest in the sight of 
all men is a bounden duty where health permits, and that in the 
prosecution of business, strict integrity in dealing, and a scru- 
pulous guard against contracting debts without ability to dis- 
charge them, and to live within the limits of our income, are 
also duties indispensable to the Christian. 

I had a great fear of bringing any shade or reproach upon 
the profession of the Truth, or upon the Society to which I be- 
longed ; and whenever any business presented, however profit- 
able, which appeared to me to conflict with either, I felt most 
easy to decline engaging in it. Although my transactions were 
on a small scale, and consequently did not open the way for the 
accumulation of riches, which sometimes was humiliating, and 
produced sensations of dissatisfaction that I was not likely to 
stand among men as independent as many others, or procure 
the accommodations which they had, yet I never was involved 
in any difficulty in timely meeting my engagements, and was 
always able to provide every comfort in life that I desired. 
Since that day I have observed some among us who had suc- 
ceeded in accumulating wealth, plain in their garb and active in 
religious society, w T ho looked upon those who were in small 
business with contempt, and at times spoke slightly of their 
scruples respecting Friends engaging in extensive concerns. 

But the latter have a refuge which cannot be assailed by the 
pride or superciliousness of man, into which they are often 
permitted to flee and find safety. Whenever I was subjected to 
sensations of that kind, retirement to my divine Lord and Mas- 
ter, committing myself and the course I had taken to Him, and 
looking to Him for consolation and the recompense of reward 
at the end of the race, raised me above these earthly and sordid 
views, and gave me an authority and dominion over that spirit, 
of which none could deprive me. Wealth and the importance 
arising from it were nothing to me, and not worthy of compari- 



26 JOUR.NAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1809 to 

son with a place in the Lord's house, and the honor and dignity 
with which He clothes his humble, faithful children. 

1809. Business opening very slowly in the following spring, 
I f It concerned lest it should not prove adequate to my neces- 
sities, and one day sitting in the store seriously and solitarily 
contemplating my prospects, my gracious Master condescended 
to show me that if I was faithful to his requirings, I should 
never want food nor raiment. The language and impression 
were so clear, humbling my heart before Him, that I believed bis 
word, and thereby proved that that faith, of which He is the 
author, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of 
things not seen ; my mind firmly and peacefully rested in it, as 
much as it would have done in an independent estate, although 
no change in the business very soon occurred. 

On the 11th of the Twelfth month, 1811, I was married to 
Deborah, daughter of Aaron and Abigail Musgrave. Some 
time before, she had been brought under the convicting power 
of Truth, with several other young persons who attended our 
meeting, and was strengthened to exchange a life of gaiety and 
mirth for one of simplicity and humble walking with her divine 
Lord and Master, and w^as then received a member among 
Friends. Our engagement was not entered upon without the 
requisite deliberation, and strong desire to be preserved from 
taking such an important step, unless accompanied with a sense 
of divine approbation. This was graciously afforded by Him 
whom we desired to obey in all things; and although many 
years were not allowed for our earthly pilgrimage together, yet 
the few were passed in much sweetness of fellowship, and their 
termination was a bitter cup to the survivor. 

Being now settled in life, my time was necessarily occupied 
with the various duties pertaining to a proper provision for a 
family; wi ich were attended to in unison with that dedication 
to the wall of my Heavenly Father, and to the various services 
of religious society, w T hich I felt of indispensable obligation and 
connected with a growth in the life of religion. I was not 
without seasons of close trial and humiliation, all which were 
needed to humble my proud and volatile spirit; and had I main- 
tained more faithfully the w r atch, I should have made more pro- 
gress in the Christian warfare, and attained a deeper and firmer 
establishment in religious weight and solidity. 

In the summer of 1812, I went with several members of our 



1813.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 27 

meeting to Long Branch for the purpose of sea bathing. It was 
the first view 1 had of the ocean, and standing on the beach 
contemplating the works of the Almighty hand, man seemed 
like a speck n comparison with the irresistible force of such a 
vast body, when its mighty billows are wrought into fury by the 
power of the tempest. We put up at a private house with few 
besides ourselves, and attended the meeting at Shrewsbury. 
At that time it was a place of little resort compared with what 
it has been since. To weakly or sick persons, sea air and 
bathing are doubtless often useful; but amongst the mixed com- 
panies that resort to these watering places, there are many 
incitements to throw off the restraints of the cross, and to fall 
in with the current of fashion and dissipation, and the use of 
language and manners quite at variance with our religious pro- 
fession. Being removed from the society of parents and religi- 
ous friends, and consequently from under the influence of their 
example and their known sentiments in opposition to these cor- 
rupt liberties, a salutary restraint is withdrawn, which makes it 
easier for young persons to take liberties they would not resort 
to under their supervision ; and they may be too easily induced to 
frequent those places, where they may receive moral wounds 
more dangerous than the physical disorders which they seek to 
have cured. 

Voluntary subscriptions being set on foot to create a fund for 
the erection of an asylum for the benefit of persons deprived of 
the use of their reason, — members of our religious society and 
professors with us, — I accompanied one or two Friends in so- 
liciting the subscriptions of some of our members, and found that 
the proposed, institution was generally approved. Much good 
has been conferred on that afflicted class since that day, who 
have been placed in it, and doubtless it had a right origin. 

First month 27th, 1813. Susanna Home from England, and 
Thomas Scattergood each opened in our Monthly Meeting a 
religious concern to visit the families, which was united with. 
They came to our house on the 29th, and had a religious op- 
portunity with my wife and nryself. My uncle Scattergood sat 
a considerable time in deep silence after Susanna had relieved her 
mind. He seemed impressed with a sense of afflictions to 
come, and then spoke on the necessity of close adherence to tho 
internal guide, in order to witness preservation on the sure 
foundation in times of deep trial, that might be permitted to 



28 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. . [1813. 

assail, for farther purification, and preparation to bear burdens 
that may be assigned or permitted to come upon us. 

Our country being now at war with Great Britain, business 
was much at a stand, and the state of the country at large was 
gloomy and distressing. At such a time wickedness is let loose, 
and unprincipled men strive to gain the ascendency in power, 
manifesting very little feeling for those who are conscientiously 
restrained from falling in with the current. A bill was intro- 
duced this spring into the legislature of this State fur a new 
organization of the militia, containing provisions that would 
operate with great severity upon Friends. Our Meeting for 
Sufferings prepared a remonstrance against it, which was taken 
to Harrisburg by a committee appointed for that purpose. The 
bill was finally thrown out by the Senate, and of course did not 
become a law. 

Fifth month 7th. The sudden death of the Friend who had 
very faithfully waited on Susanna Home in her travels in 
this country, produced strong sensations among his friends 
and acquaintance. He had taken up his saddle-bags at his 
own house to set off in order to meet her in New Jersey, when 
he fell on the floor, having been previously sick at the stomach 
and complained of pain in the head; and though great efforts 
were made by several physicians, they were unable to revive 
him. Information of the afflicting event was communicated to 
Susanna Home, and she came to the city and attended the 
burial on the 9th, being first day. She knelt in supplication at 
the grave side, and Arthur Howell and Thomas Seattergood 
spoke in testimony to the dedication of the Friend, and their 
undoubted persuasion that he now enjoyed a mansion among 
"the blessed. The suddenness of his death when apparently in 
usual health, and just intending to set out on a journey, was an 
impressive instance of the great uncertainty of life, and a loud 
call to faithfulness to the manifested will of our Heavenly 
Father, that when our day is over, we may be ready to meet 
the awful Judge of quick and dead. 

The English vessels of war being now on our coast, and com- 
mitting depredations in many places, the coasting trade was 
almost entirely stopped, which kept away from the neighbor- 
hood of my store, which was in sight of the river, most of the 
craft usually there. This greatly lessened what little business 



1313.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 29 

I bad, and could not but produce serious tboughtfulness in 
relation to the means of subsistence. 

In the fall of this year my beloved mother, being liberated by 
the Monthly Meeting to visit the Meetings composing Salem 
Quarter, and the two on Great Egg Harbor, 1 drove the car- 
riage, Ann Offley being her companion. John Baldwin, a 
minister living near Downingtown, Chester county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and Isaac W". Morris in another carriage, went in com- 
pany. We travelled in much harmony, visited all the meetings, 
in the course of which we had some solid opportunities, and 
returned the last day of the Eleventh month. 



CHAPTEK II. 

1813—1819. 



Proposed change of Business — Uneasiness therewith — Kelinquishes it and 
finds Peace — Before a Court Martial — Keflections on the Unchristian Prac- 
tice of War — Peace Principles applicable to National Government — Death 
of T. Scattergood — Commencement of his Wife's last Illness — Her Charac- 
ter and Convincement — Her last Sickness and Death — Weighty Expres- 
sions during her Illness — Accompanies his Mother on a Religious Visit — 
Goes to reside with his Parents — Accompanies his Mother to New York 
Yearly Meeting — Death of his Father-in-law — Accompanies his Mother to 
> T w England Yearly Meeting — First Appearance in the Ministry — Source 
of True Faith — Necessity of keeping to First Principles — Death of Sarah 
Wilson. 

In consequence of the war with England, business was much 
depressed, and having the expenses of a family to meet, which 
it seemed improbable, if the difficulties continued, the little I 
had to do, would be sufficient for, I became so dissatisfied that I 
resolved to make some change. A relative, who was a dealer 
in dry goods, wanting a partner, I concluded to join him as 
soon as the war was brought to a close, and made arrangements 
to borrow a sum of money, which with that employed by him, 
was deemed a sufficient capital. The prospect of the connec- 
tion, and engaging in a business that looked likely to be profit- 
able, was animating and pleasant ; and from the feelings of my 
mind, I thought I had given the subject ample consideration. 
We entered upon some of the preparatory steps, which brought 



30 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1813. 

us frequently together, and to converse upon the business and 
the manner of conducting it. As I was led into a knowledge 
of the course pursued in that line, scruples occasionally arose 
in my mind, which I attributed to fear produced by the novelty 
of my situation. Selling articles which I should not be easy to 
wear, or recommend others to wear, presented some apprehen- 
sion of difficulty, but I concluded these might be dispensed 
with, and the business still be large enough ; or perhaps when 
I became fully engaged, these feelings would wear off. Then 
arose the thought of entering into a business which I did not 
understand, and the condition in which I should find myself, 
were my partner removed by death. This circumstance I 
hoped would not occur, and I endeavored to suppress my appre- 
hensions with the belief that experience would soon render me 
familiar with my new employment. In his desire to open the 
way for our union and future operations, my relative told me 
that besides the amount of our capital, which was borrowed, it 
would be necessary to purchase on credit large quantities of 
certain articles, the payment of which would be provided for in 
the returns of our sales. This was a further insight of the 
responsibilities we were about to take upon us, and which 
raised fresh doubts and fears. 

My present business being small and one that I understood, 
was managed with ease. It required little capital, and involved 
me in no engagements that I did not hold the means to meet; 
so that I was free from anxiety on that account, and at liberty 
to attend unincumbered, to any of the appointments of the 
Society, or any impression of duty to go to a meeting that I 
might have. When I contrasted my present situation, for 1 
had not yet given up the drug business, with the project before 
me, and recollected that I had never been accustomed to the 
anxiety which often attends large commercial concerns, I began 
to feel stronger doubts of the safety of making so great change. 
These doubts increased; and one day sitting in our religious 
meeting, it plainly appeared to me, that though the mind may 
be able to compass much, yet beyond its capacitj^ it cannot go. 
If all its energies are enlisted in the concerns of the world, and 
their pressure is as great as it is capable of bearing, the all-im- 
portant work of religion must be neglected. This appeared to 
mo, must inevitably be my case. My time and talents would 
be wholly engrossed, and I must abandon all prospect of useful- 



1813.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM' EVANS. 31 

nees in religious society for the servitude of a man of the world. 
It seemed if I pursued the prospect of adopting the proposed 
change of business, that I should be lost to religious society and 
to the work of religion in my own heart. 

These views brought me to a/ull stop. I was afraid to risk 
my everlasting salvation for the sake of worldly emolument; 
and notwithstanding the mortification, I determined that it was 
best to inform my proposed partner in a proper manner, that I 
could not proceed, and also of the cause ; which was a trial to 
him as well as to myself, though no steps had been taken, that 
would involve him in difficulty. After having come to this con- 
clusion, and my concern for his disappointment had subsided, I 
felt relieved of a great burthen, and then resolved that as long 
as 1 could make a living by the business I was brought up to, 
I would not abandon it for any other, but labor after content- 
ment in such things as my Heavenly Father granted to me. I 
looked forward with renewed peace and satisfaction at the path 
and the business before me, though small, remembering that 
the earth is the Lord's, and the cattle on a thousand hills, 
and He in his inscrutable wisdom and kindness, will dispense 
what He knows we need. 

My relative died in less than three years, and the very great 
losses produced by a falling market, proved in the end that 1 
had escaped from a load of anxiety, and almost inextricable 
embarrassment. Indeed, being left alone in a business I was in 
nowise fitted for, it is probable it would have proved my ruin. 
It is good to trust in the Lord, and to mind the secret intima- 
tions of his blessed Spirit ; for I believe it was nothing less than 
his merciful superintending care that snatched me from the 
thraldom I was preparing for myself. 

In the fall of 1813, the citizens illuminated their houses on 
the event of a victory gained by the Americans over the British 
in a naval engagement, which produced sadness in many minds. 
Our Saviour forbad his disciples to rejoice, even when spirits 
were made subject to them, iu their religious engagements ; and 
when some enquired whether they should command fire to come 
down from heaven as Elijah did, to consume his opponents, He 
replied, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of; the 
Son of Man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them." 
How lamentable it is that men calling themselves Christians, 
can promote the destruction of their fellow creatures, and when 



32 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1814. 

many have been killed, or wounded and crippled for life, then 
make a festival and rejoice over them. What difference in this 
respect is there between the savage and the professed Christian? 
Jesus Christ declared, "My kingdom is hot of this world, else 
would my servants fight," evidently implying that those who 
do fight, are not servants and subjects in his holy and peaceful 
kingdom. 

Second month 24th, 1814. I was compelled to appear before a 
court-martial sitting in this city, to answer a charge of disobe- 
dience of the orders of the President of the United States, in 
refusing to march as a militiaman last spring. I stated to the 
court-martial, that I was conscientiously bound to decline all 
warlike measures, and could not by any means comply with 
such requisitions. That I was a member of the Society of 
Friends, and although we cannot actively comply with laws 
that would violate our consciences, yet we do not rise against 
the Government; we passively suffer the penalty which they 
inflict — at the same time we think it right to plead for liberty 
of conscience, to maintain our rights in a peaceable manner, 
and not tacitly suffer distraint or imprisonment. without law. 
They heard me patiently and respectfully, making but little 
exception to what I advanced. I understood they decide the 
question by vote, whether the fine shall be exacted : what was 
their course in my case I never heard, but they never attempted 
to collect any fine of me. and I suppose they voted me free. 

It is very important at all times to bear a clear and faithful 
testimony to the coming and kingdom of the Prince of peace; 
and when the noise and spirit of war are over the land, and 
wicked men are ready to make a prey of those who cannot join 
in their measures, the times call for increased watchfulness that 
we may not be caught with that spirit, and the desire of success 
on the arms of either belligerent party, or in any manner let 
the testimony against war and bloodshed fall to the ground. 

Seventh month 17th. There is now a great pleading by many 
for war. Some who assume the name of Christians say they 
deprecate such a state of things as much as any; but when 
their rights are invaded, their dwellings and the lives of their 
families endangered, they ought to defend themselves — and 
though they wish not to destroy life, yet if in self-defence, the 
aggressor is killed, they consider themselves justified. But 
while they think' his blood will be upon his own head, they 



1814.] JOURNAL OF WILLTAM EVANS. 33 

know not how far the act of taking human life may rest with 
awful weight on their consciences, when the heat of passion 
and revenge has gone off. They lose sight of the superintend- 
ence and protection of an Almighty Providence, and of the duty 
of putting their trust in Him. They argue that power is the 
support of government, and that it is the knowledge of this 
power that compels many to comply with the requisitions of 
the law — that there is an analogy between nations and indi- 
viduals. When differences occur between individuals, it is 
power that obliges the aggressor to make restitution to the in- 
jured — so when a dispute arises between nations, which they 
plead cannot be amicably adjusted, the advocates of war say 
that recourse must be had to the sword, to obtain that which 
the jarring views of the parties prevent taking place. At the 
same time they acknowledge that war is a dreadful evil which 
ought if possible to be avoided — that the time will come W'hen, 
sin being banished from the earth, war will cease ; but in the 
present state of the world, it is, they think, inevitable and justi- 
fiable. 

Power may be exercised in a government to great extent 
without destroying life, for the purpose of punishing the trans- 
gressor, and preserving the peace and the property of the citi- 
zen. As true religion prevails, less physical force will produce 
greater effect on the remaining vicious ; and in proportion as 
the former spreads, the latter will be less needed. Where no 
military force is called in, there is less cause to excite the evil 
part of the community to retaliate arid resort to the same. The 
use of arms stirs up men to provide themselves with and to use 
them. How much wiser and better would it be to settle differ- 
ences between nations by the arbitration of a friendly Pow T er — 
inasmuch as after having fought and killed, negotiation must 
be the final resort to settle the dispute. 

In reflecting upon this subject, it maybe right to take a view 
of the character of a disciple of Christ, and how he became a 
disciple. " Take my yoke upon you," said our blessed Lord, 
"and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." Here 
the attention of the mind is arrested, and as it submits to Him, 
He gradually unfolds to it w T hat He would have us to leave 
undone and what to do. As his requiring.? often prove the 
reverse of our inclinations, we need the aid of his Spirit in con- 
forming to them ; which in this case is compared to a yoke to 



34 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1814. 

keep down our propensity to evil ; or a cross to crucify our 
stubborn wills, which often rise in opposition to the coming of 
his kingdom in the heart. " If any man will come after me let 
him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me." The 
direction and rule of the heart are to be entirely given into his 
hands. "We are not to choose for ourselves, but simply as little 
children attend to his daily instructions, which as we carefully 
follow will produce a growth and increase of spiritual strength. 
Our sinful propensities and passions will become gradually 
weakened — our affections loosened from things below, and set 
on things above ; and through the prevalence of his love, it will 
become our meat and our drink to do the will of our Father 
who is in heaven. Various are the baptisms, the inward 
plunges and washings that we must witness, before this state is 
attained ; but it is nevertheless our duty and our highest interest 
to come to it, and without it we shall fall short of the stature 
of a perfect man in Christ Jesus. 

Living under the yoke and daily cross of Christ we become 
joined to Him in one Spirit, and according to our measures are 
partaking of the divine nature; for saith He, "He that doeth 
the will of my Father, the same is my mother, and sister, and 
brother;" and again, "I am the vine, ye are the branches." 
Here such a union is formed between Christ and his brethren, 
that those who touch them, touch him, and not an hair of their 
head shall perish without his notice. They can suffer no injury, 
nor be in any emergency however secret or pressing, without 
his knowledge ; and as all power in heaven and in earth is given 
to Him, they have great cause to put their trust in Him, be- 
lieving if it be for their good, and the promotion of his right- 
eous cause, He will deliver them as He has defended many of 
his children, in the hour of appalling danger. He has also per- 
mitted some of his most faithful servants to seal their testimony 
with their blood, but the proportion of these to the whole of 
his family is small. But yet in this they have infinitely the 
advantage over their enemies, in that standing faithful to their 
Master they have been made partakers of his glory; whereas their 
persecutors, if they do not repent and bow to his name, will in 
the end be cast into utter darkness, where will be weeping and 
wailing and gnashing of teeth. The longest life is short — the 
duration of suffering here is limited, and as the design of our 
creation is the glory of God, if He sees meet in the promotion 



1815.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 35 

of it to suffer our life to be terminated by the hands of cruel 
men, we have nothing to fear or to murmur at ; but rather 
through the power of his love to rejoice in suffering, which is 
but for a moment, and that it will work for us a far more ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of glory. 

The smallness of the number of righteous men and women, 
conscientiously opposed to war, who suffer violent death from 
mobs or armies, is quite remarkable. These are rarely assaulted 
either in their dwellings or on the high road, which shows 
that the protection of Divine Providence is extended to them. 
From this we may suppose, that were there a nation of such 
Christians, who lived in love and harmony amongst them- 
selves, and who from conviction of its unlawfulness, never could 
resort to arms to defend themselves, it would become known 
among the nations of the earth; and from the fact that no war- 
like resistance would be made on any occasion, they would 
refrain from meddling with them; either because He who 
turneth the heart of a man as a man turneth the water-course 
in his field, would show them it would be wrong to disturb them 
and would not permit them ; or from the principle, that as there 
would be no resistance by arms, it would be unmanly and un- 
worthy to assail such a people. 

In the Fourth month, my beloved uncle Thomas Scattergood 
died, after an illness of but a few days. He attended about half 
the sittings of the Yearly Meeting when he was taken sick, and 
on the first day morning following he was released from the trials 
of this earthly pilgrimage, and I have no doubt passed into the 
church triumphant. On seventh day, a Friend expressed to him 
that he felt consolation in sitting by him ; he replied that he had 
experienced it also, and that his mind was established on the 
sure foundation. One of the physicians saying something re- 
specting his dissolution, he answered that if it was to take place 
now it was hid from him, as many of the Lord's secrets are, 
from his servants. He was a living, baptising minister, often 
led into the states of the people, and m nlc instrumental in 
quickening many to a more fervent exercise for their own sal- 
vation. 

1815. My late beloved wife was of a delicate constitution; 
last winter her health and strength were much reduced. She 
contracted several colds which were accompanied by cough and 
pain in the chest ; and being appointed a representative of the 



3G JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 1815] 

Monthly Meeting, she attended the Quarterly Meeting in the 
Second month, although very unfit to go out. She came home 
much spent, and becoming much indisposed kept her room very 
generally afterwards. We did not apprehend for a considerable 
time that her lungs were affected, though the obstinacy of some 
of the symptoms and the variable state of her feelings excited 
anxiet}' respecting the issue of the complaint; she being some- 
times apparently so free from disease, as to seem to be fast re- 
covering, and then would suddenly become so unwell, as to be 
scarcely able to keep out of bed. The spring was unusually 
cold with easterly storms of rain. It was, however, hoped not- 
withstanding her discouraging symptoms, that when the 
weather became warm and settled, a few week's residence in the 
country would check the progress of the disease, and restore 
her to health and to her family and friends. She was accord- 
ingly taken out on the 22d of the Fifth month, and continued 
in the country three weeks. The air was cool for the season, 
and the change did not produce any intermission of her com- 
plaint; and the weather becoming warm during the last week, 
she weakened very fast. One evening her mother observing 
her to be in pain expressed her sympathy; when she answered, 
" We ought not to murmur at the dispensations of Providence," 
and added, ''Mother, most of thy children are in heaven, and I 
shall soon be there with them." She concluded to return to the 
city, and remarked that though the state of her body was 
changed, that of her mind was not; believing it was right that 
the trial had been made. 

She was naturally of a sprightly, amiable disposition, and in the 
early part of her life, fond of gaiety and the amusements which 
her companions partook of. This drew her into company that 
was calculated to keep her from yielding to the convictions of 
Divine Grace, which at times were powerfully brought over her. 
On some occasions when associated with others who were danc- 
ing and singing, her mind was so arrested with the visitations 
and reproofs of heavenly love, that she would be unable to par- 
ticipate in the mirth and amusements surrounding her. Through 
Divine mercy she was finally brought to submit to these visita- 
tions, to withdraw from all these vain delights, and to seek a 
closer acquaintance and union with the Lord, who had thus en- 
lightened her by his Spirit to see the emptiness of her former 
pursuits, and the necessity of seeking enduring substance. 



1815] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 37 

Persevering in faithfulness to the unfolding* of Divine Light, 
she was convinced that simplicity in dress and manners was ob- 
ligatory upon the follower of Christ, and she became an ex- 
ample therein, even to those whose opportunities of a religious, 
guarded education had been widely different from hers. On 
this subject she remarks in some of her memoranda, that "The 
evidence was confirmed to her, that simplicity in life and man- 
ners attends the narrow way which leads to life, while the 
partaking of the enjoyments, possessions and allurements of this 
deceitful world, will inevitably lead to destruction." 

In the twentieth year of her age, she made application, and 
was received into membership in our religious Society by the 
Southern District Monthly Meeting. She was much beloved by 
her intimate acquaintances, and was engaged privately to seek 
their furtherance in the path of dedication to their divine Lord 
and Master. With some of these she was frequently employed 
in visiting the habitations of the poor, manifesting much tender 
feeling for them in their distresses, by her persevering efforts in 
procuring and administering the requisite comforts for their 
relief. A select school for girls being opened within the limits 
of her Monthly Meeting, she took charge of it for about eigh- 
teen months, and proved herself well qualified for the care of 
the little children. "When she entered into the married life her 
testimony to plainness was still kept in the furniture of her house, 
guarding against a conformity to the fashions of a vain world 
with which many are led astray. Her gentle spirit, softened 
and regulated by the love of God, rendered her a faithful and 
affectionate wife, and she was religiously concerned for the future 
welfare and preservation of her tender offspring. 

Having in health submitted to bear the yoke of Christ, and 
in good measure experienced its sanctifying operations in her 
heart, she was now favored at a time when under an incurable 
pulmonary consumption, as she said, with an " heavenly state 
of mind," and enabled with great calmness to look towards her 
dissolution, which she was early sensible would be the termina- 
tion of this sickness. The disease made steady progress after 
her return to the city, and she suffered much. 

In the course of her sickness she uttered many weighty ex- 
pressions, showing a living experience of inward communion 
with her Saviour, and of that redemption from sin and the fear 
of death, which by the working of his might}* power in the 
4 



38 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1815. 

soul, He effects for his obedient children. Before she went into 
the country, a few Friends having called to see her, after a time 
of silence, a belief was expressed by one of them, that her bed 
had been made in her sickness, and that the guardian angel of the 
Lord's presence, had encamped around about her, and supported 
her, when outward help failed. After a short pause she uttered 
some expressions of thanksgiving for Divine support during her 
sickness, and added. " I feel that I am unworthy of so many 
favors." Then with uncommon energy, she broke forth nearly 
in these words : " Oh that I had the opportunity to testify to 
the goodness of the Almighty, and that it was in my power to 
impress on the young people the very great importance of giving 
up in early life, that the mind may have a foundation to rest 
upon in the time of trial, when the world is as nothing." 

The prospect of parting with my beloved wife was at times 
attended with feelings that seemed insupportable. We had 
been married but a few years, and to be obliged to give up one 
whose purified spirit rendered her a most desirable companion 
in this scene of probation, appeared at some seasons altogether 
irreconcilable. And one day the prospect came over me with 
such force, that I was tossed with a tempest I could hardly sup- 
port; but as I was walking alone up and down the floor in this 
state, the Saviour graciously appeared, and in the midst of my 
perturbation, said to my mental ear, " Peace, be still," and there 
was a great calm. I then became more resigned, but still se- 
cretly clung to the hope that she would be spared. 

On the 18th of the Sixth, she was visited by one of her cousins, 
whose mind had been brought under religious exercise, to whom 
she said : " My desire for thee since thou hast been sitting here, 
dear Susan, has been, that thou may dig deep, and get to that 
sure foundation, against which storms and tempests shall never 
be able to prevail; that when thou comes to be laid on such a 
bed as I now am, thou may have a well grounded hope of enter- 
ing into that rest, where sorrowing and sighing will be done 
away." This cousin died in a short time after her. One of her 
aunts sitting by, observing her to be in much suffering, said she 
believed it was not because she was cast off, that her distress 
of body was so great; she rejoined, "Whom the Lord loveth, 
He chastcneth .'" And in the course of the same day, her father 
remarking that she had a suffering time, she sweetly replied, 
u Yes, father, but I have an Almighty Friend underneath who 



1815.1 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 39 

J * 

supports me over all." On the 19th, she supplicated thus, " Oh 
great and glorious Lord, grant me patience that will carry even 
through the gates of death. Thou knowest that I have en- 
deavored to serve thee according to my measure ; prepare for 
me according to thy eternal goodness, a mansion of rest ; and 
shorten the time, if coosistent with thy holy will." After a few 
minutes, " In all my trials and deep afflictions, I have refreshing 
seasons." 

At a time of great bodily suffering, her mother-in-law being 
present, she said, " I should consider it a favor to be removed 
in one of these spells, but I am resigned; it is my meat and 
drink to do the Lord's will." Some time after she expressed, 
" Well is it for me, that part of the work was done before such 
a time as this." Then making a solemn pause, she broke forth in 
commemoration of His goodness, and in intercession, "Almighty 
(rod, my soul doth magnify thee, and my spirit rejoiceth in thy 
salvation. Oh, grant that I may receive daily a portion of thy 
holy, everlasting patience." 

On the 22d, being in much pain she said, " I had need to cry 
aloud for patience. O Lord, hear the voice of my supplication.; 
be near in the hour of deep distress." Some little time after, 
on taking some drink she said, " I ought to be thankful for the 
many blessings and favors I receive ; there are many poor things 
who have to suffer all this, and have not these," alluding to the 
refreshments furnished her. 

Her father and mother-in-law being present in the evening, 
she said to them, " You have not heard me my dear parents, 
say much respecting these dear children I am about to leave. 
In the early part of my sickness I had a comfortable impression 
on my mind, that if I should be taken from them, there was a 
Father to the fatherless and a Husband to the widow, so I have 
been mercifully kept from anxiety about them ; yet I have been 
at times concerned for their everlasting welfare ; desiring they 
might know the God of their fathers, that they may become 
earlier acquainted with their Creator than their mother was ; 
though when but about eleven years old I was so clearly convinced 
of a principle within, that condemned for doing wrong, and led 
to do that which was right, that I have been induced to leave 
my pillow, with my cheeks bathed with tears, and on my knees 
pray that I might be a good child. I have craved that they 
may remember their Creator in the days of their youth, and 



40 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1815 

have desired that rather than they should not walk in the way 
that is well pleasing to Him, He would be pleased, while in theil 
innocency, to take them to Himself." 

On the morning of the 23d. " Oh great and holy Being, be 
pleased to grant fresh supplies of thy patience. Oh hear 
the voice of my supplication ; be near and uphold me, for I have 
none in heaven to look unto but thee, nor in all the earth in 
comparison with thee. I magnify thee for thy mercy, and for all 
thy benefits ; I love to speak of thy goodness." 

Her sufferings on the morning of the 24th were very great 
and exhausted her much. About 4 o'clock in the morning, in 
much agony, she prayed, " O Lord be near ; grant me patience 
in this trying hour." Then said, " Oh what a trial and conflict 
I have had! Had my God been pleased to have taken me in this 
trying hour, what a favor! Oh grant me patience; let resigna- 
tion be my constant theme. Thou art great, and thou art 
merciful. Thou knowest all my deep afflictions; thou wilt not 
try me beyond what I am able to bear ; therefore let me bless 
and praise thee with this poor breath ;" her breathing being very 
difficult. A little while after, " O Lord, take me to thyself. O 
Lord how good art thou to me. My heart is filled with praises 
to the High God who reigneth above with the Lamb forever. 
Oh the sweet peace." After those trying sensations had a little 
subsided, she appeared like one just about to enter the king- 
dom, clothed with the meekness and purity of one of the Lord's 
redeemed children. In a sweet and heavenly tone she said, " I 
have been thinking of the expression of our Saviour, Suffer 
little children to come unto me, for of such, is the kingdom of 
heaven — their angels do always minister to my Father who is in 
heaven. I do not know whether it is correct, but it is what I 
have been thinking of." 

She took some nourishment, and endeavored to compose her- 
self to sleep, but the cough being frequent it was much inter- 
rupted. Her mind appeared to be occupied with her two infant 
children, of whom she had spoken but a few times throughout 
her sickness. In her sweet and affectionate manner she said, 
" Oh my dear little prattlings ; when I see them under the pro- 
tection of an omnipotent and omniscient Being, overshadowed 
as with the banner of his love, my soul is filled with love, with 
praises, high praises to his great and most excellent name — a 
Saviour that will go with them and preserve them in the slip- 



1815.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 41 

pery paths of youth. Oh if the Lord will hear my prayer, and 
check their early propensity to evil." 

On parting with her brother, Joel Evans, who had called to 
see her, she said, " Farewell my dear brother ; and whether I 
ever see thee in this life or no, may the Lord bless thee — bless 
thee with the dew of heaven ; and may est thou walk worthy 
of his Holy name, that so thou mayest glorify Him, not only in 
this world, but in the world to come — Farewell." 

Being asked in the afternoon how she felt, she replied, " The 
body is comfortably fixed." It was then inquired whether she 
did not feel comfortable in mind, she answered, "Yes," and then 
proceeded, " That glorious Presence is not withdrawn, but I 
believe is near to support my poor, weary, tried, tossed mind ; 
not tossed with tempest but weakness; and when it shall be his 
glorious will to take me hence, I go rejoicingly. If I love and 
serve him, will He not keep his covenant ? yea, most surely." 

On the 25th her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Grace 
Evans, from the country, came to see her, and previously to 
their leaving she addressed ^them in this wise, " 1 cannot, my 
dear brother and sister, let you pass away, as my time here may 
be short, perhaps very short — which will be cause of rejoicing 
to me and thankfulness to my heavenly Father— without men- 
tioning what has presented to my mind of the importance of 
becoming acquainted with what it is to be a true Christian ; not 
only to believe in the Scriptures that Christ w T as born, died 
and rose again, but come to experience Him to visit you, guide 
you and direct your path through life. Do what your hands 
find to do, not only as it regards the outward, but know the in- 
ward work to go on with the day. Thus you will become 
united to the Son of God. This will sweeten your path through 
life, and at the close give j^ou an inheritance in his kingdom, 
where there is peace and joy forevermore." 

Notwithstanding the intense suffering which at times she en- 
dured, her heart was often filled with praise to Him who had 
redeemed her by the spirit of judgment and of burning, and 
washed away her sins by his precious blood. In the course of 
the day she said, "Praise the Lord, Oh my soul, bless his holy 
name; glorify Him whilst thou art here; sing of his mercy and 
goodness, for they are very great." 

In the course of the night, her beloved friend Mary Morton, 
who was watching with her, observing to her that she had ia- 



42 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1815. 

deed need of patience, and that she thought she was abundantly- 
supplied with it, she replied, "I am sensible of it and it is a 
great mercy," — and holding her friend's hand, she continued 
nearly in these words : "I have much to be thankful for. I was 
visited in very early life, and was enabled to yield to the heav- 
enly visitation ; this was a great favor. He has been with me 
all my life long, and does not forsake me in this closing period; 
but is graciously pleased at times to qualify, me under all my 
bodily sufferings, to comrnemmorate his marvellous goodness, 
and to sing praise, high praises to his ever-excellent Name." 

In the afternoon of the 27th, a few hours before her death, 
she said : "Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Oh my soul ; praise 
his great and glorious name. Lean upon him that thou mayest 
know him to be thy support in the hour of deep conflict, and to 
receive thee into the kingdom of everlasting rest." 

Her close drawing near, she took a solemn leave of her con- 
nections present. To her husband she said, "Farewell, farewell, 
dear William — we shall meet in a better world ; the Lord will 
bless us there." "Lord Almighty receive my spirit ; angels wait 
to receive my spirit •" — then as if something held her, she said, 
" Don't hold me, don't hold me to this world." She quietly departed 
about twenty-five minutes past 11 o'clock at night, the 27th of 
the Sixth month, 1815, in the twenty-eighth year of her age ; 
and doubtless has entered one of those mansions which the Son 
of God went before to prepare for his devoted followers. 

My situation was felt to be destitute, and as our two children 
were mere infants, it was concluded that I should break up 
housekeeping and return to board with my parents. 

My dear mother having a religious concern to visit Burling- 
ton, Shrewsbury and Eahway, and Bucks, and Abington Quar- 
terly Meetings, and some one being needed to drive the horses, 
it was concluded that I should undertake it ; and my health 
being somewhat impaired by confinement and waiting on my 
late dear wife, the journey, particularly through the pines in 
New Jersey, would probably have a restorative effect. We set 
out in the Eighth month, and visiting all the meetings in pros- 
pect ; we were absent about eight weeks. It could not be sup- 
posed the journey would be to me a very cheering one, but 
notwithstanding my own situation, and the trials we met with 
among those who were but little alive to the great cause of reli- 
gion, I was satisfied with having given up to itj and was forci- 



1816.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 43 

bly struck as we rode home with the reflection, how short the 
time had been. It seemed an emblem of life. Looking forward 
to so many meetings and places, the time requisite to accom- 
plish it all, looked long; but after it was concluded, it was like 
a dream or a vapor that soon vanished. 

After my return I broke up housekeeping, and took up my 
residence with my beloved parents on the 10th of the Eleventh 
month. 

Eleventh month 13th. Since the decease of my dear wife, I 
have often had to feel the loss of her precious society, but a be- 
lief that she is in the company of saints and angels, and the 
spirits of the just made perfect, and the recollection that my 
own time will be short, incite me to endeavor patiently and 
cheerfully to hold out to the end. This is a state of mutability ; 
it is therefore necessary we should be sensible that every out- 
ward gift is held by a very slender thread — let us then strive 
to become increasingly acquainted with that which never 
changes, but will endure beyond time. 

1816. In the Fourth month of this year my mother having 
a religious concern to attend New York Yearly Meeting, in 
which Sarah Wilson a minister belonging to our meeting united, 
I accompanied them. We made our home at Thomas Eddy's, 
who, with his exercised wife, received and entertained us with 
much kindness. There was a spirit at work in some there who 
put on great plainness, but who under the profession of sup- 
porting spiritual religion, w 7 ere beginning to undervalue the 
benefits and importance of the Holy Scriptures. 

In the course of the sittings of the Yearly Meeting, an epistle 
was prepared in reply to that received from the London Yearly 
Meeting, in which the frequent reading of the Scriptures and 
the proper observance of the first day of the week, were en- 
forced in a manner which appeared to me consistent w r ith the 
views the Society of Friends had always held on these subjects. 
Elias Hicks made an attack upon those parts of the epistle, in 
which he spoke very disparagingly of the Sacred Writings, and 
improperly of the observance of the first dny; affirming that 
the spreading of the Bible was a part of the system of priest- 
craft. 

We visited Mamaroneck Meeting and the meetings on Long 
Island. When at Jericho, the women Friends lodged at Elias 
Hick's — I staid at his son-in law's. My mother told me that 



44 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1817. 

she had a serious opportunity with him respecting the course 
he was pursuing, and remonstrated firmly against it, endeavor- 
ing to bring him to feel the danger that awaited himself, and 
the prejudicial effects it must have upon others. She said he 
appeared to be affected by her labors with him. It however 
availed little, as his after course proved. After getting through 
with the services which my mother and Sarah Wilson had in 
view, we returned home. 

1817, Second month 15th. The Delaware river closed about 
the 24th of last month; preceding that time the weather had 
been unusually mild, which gave rise to the expectation that 
we should have a very moderate winter ; but the greater part 
of the last two weeks has been excessively cold. Sleighs, carts 
and wagons have been running on the river without the small- 
est apprehension of danger. This morning the mercury stood at 
five degrees below zero. 

16th. This morning my father-in-law, Aaron Musgrave, died, 
in the 54th year of his age. He manifested a steady patience 
throughout his illness, and though he expressed but little re- 
specting his prospects of futurity, yet his quiet, resigned frame 
of mind, left no doubt with those who attended him in his sick- 
ness, that his end was peace. 

The view of a fellow mortal gradually wasting away, until 
the earthly tabernacle is no longer able to retain that part 
which is designed for an eternal duration, is humbling. It 
shows the weakness of the tenure of all sublunary enjoyments, 
and calls loudly to those yet left behind, to use all diligence in 
the great business of salvation. But how easily do we suffer 
ourselves to elude the force of impressions made by such ex- 
amples. Self-denial of the fleeting gratifications of this world 
is a work very unwelcome to the natural man ; but it must 
nevertheless be submitted to, if we expect to become conquerors 
through Ilim that loved and died for us. " They that are 
Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts." 

Sixth month. Hannah Shinn, a minister belonging to our 
Monthly Meeting, and my dear mother, having concerns to at- 
tend New England Yearly Meeting, I accompanied them to it. 
We went to New York and from thence in the steamboat for 
New London, where we took stage for Providence, Ehode 
Island, and put up at Obadiah Brown's. Our women Frienda 
were taken in their carriage to Newport, and I went by water. 



1817.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 45 

In Newport we were quartered at D. Williams', where we often 
had the company of many Friends. The Yearly Meeting was 
one of considerable exercise to our women Friends. 

During the week we had several religious opportunities ; in 
one of them at our lodgings, my mind was so brought under ex- 
ercise on account of some present, and the passage presenting, 
"If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world let 
him first become a fool that he may be wise," that I felt con- 
strained to revive it, with a short application. A minister* took 
it up and spoke upon it, which seemed confirming that I was 
not mistaken. We attended a few meetings after the Yearly Meet- 
ing, crossed to Conanicut Island, and thence on to Narraganset, 
where we procured a conveyance to New London. Next morning 
left the wharf in a steamboat for New Haven, and thence to New 
York — attended the meeting at Liberty Street, and next morn- 
ing took our departure for home, which we reached the follow- 
ing day about 11 o'cloek. 

Eighth month 8th. In consequence of the fines assessed by 
the late court martial, upon Friends, who could not comply with 
the requisitions of the Government, either to serve in the recent 
war with Great Britain, or to furnish substitutes, the houses of 
many w T ere visited by the marshal's deputies, and their bedding 
and furniture carried off by cart loads. In several instances the 
value of the goods distrained was from one hundred to two 
hundred dollars. One Friend, residing in the vicinity of the 
city, had his carriage, worth one hundred, dollars taken and sold 
for rather more than forty dollars. The fine being fifty dollars, 
the deputy returned and took his chaise, which lately cost one 
hundred dollars. Thus a family were not only deprived of the 
means of conveyance to their religious meetings, but compelled 
to sustain a loss of two hundred dollars to meet a fine of fifty 
dollars, arbitrarily imposed by a court-martial, from whose deci- 
sions there is no appeal. These decisions were evidently marked 
with great partiality ; as a neighbor of the Friend was fined 
but nine dollars, though no shade of difference could be per- 
ceived in the circumstances of the respective cases; except that 
one was a member of a religious society whose testimony 
against war is coeval with its existence. While these distraints 
and great sacrifice of Friends' property were carrying on, they 
did not fail to lay account of them before the public through 

* Stephen Grellet. 



46 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM E\ vNS. [1818. 

the medium of one of the daily papers, and some of them were 
such flagrant violations of what even military men would re- 
gard as just, that they brought some of the deputies to shame, 
and a stop was put to it. 

The unjust proceedings consequent upon the late war, often 
led me to many serious reflections upon its desolating effects, 
both in the destruction of human life, and the unjust persecu- 
tion of conscientious men who cannot join in with it. The 
mind that is clothed with Divine love, the charity which endu- 
reth all things, sincerely and humbly desires the welfare of all 
men, even of those who treat us with coldness, or actuated by 
the spirit of revenge, seek to injure us. Where this heavenly 
feeling subsists, the spirit of revenge, which is the spirit of war, 
has no place. One is from heaven, from the Fountain of love, 
which seeks the salvation of all men; the other is derived from 
the malevolence of the fallen spirits or devils, who are constantly 
seeking the injury and final destruction of all men. 

1818, Ninth mo. 9th. At different times in the course of my 
life I have apprehended that at some period, I should be en- 
gaged in publicly laboring in the great cause of Truth, to turn 
the attention of others, through its constraining power, from 
darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. Clear 
and distinct openings have been made upon my mind in a very 
impressive manner, in relation to the standing and qualification 
of a gospel minister. It has appeared to me necessary that 
through the humbling power of Christ, and the baptisms of the 
cross, his will should be r luced, and a state of childlike re- 
liance on the Leader of Israel, in a good degree attained, that 
he may be prepared to stand as an instrument through whom 
the Lord condescends to speak to his people. 

For several months past the time appeared to be drawing 
nigh for me to make more public the concern that had been 
shut up in my own breast. I had many impressive openings 
which seemed nearly ripe for communicating, but remembering 
the awfulness and importance of the work, I kept back. Some- 
times I rejoiced after meetings in believing they were Divine 
impressions, and sometimes I felt concerned that by putting off 
too long, I might get into the habit of slighting them, while I 
was looking for satisfactory evidence of the origin of the con- 
cern. But He who knows how to deal with his children, did 
not forsake me, but furnished with a fresh opening this morn- 



1818.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 47 

ing in our Fourth-day meeting. As heretofore I was preparing 
to set it aside for further confirmation, when a beloved Friend 
was engaged to call upon some to be faithful — that no sign 
should be given, but that of the prophet Jonah, who for his 
disobedience was permitted to descend into deep suffering and 
anguish. This seemed so clearly applicable, that recollecting 
I had passed through many night seasons, and feeling after 
she sat down the fresh arisings of the concern, I stood up 
and with an audible voice, said, " God is our refuge, in Him 
will we put our trust. They that trust in the Lord shall never 
be confounded, but they shall be as Mount Zion that cannot be 
removed. Christ Jesus remains to be the eternal Rock and 
foundation ; blessed are all they that are built upon Him." 

My mind was preserved in calmness throughout the day, free 
from doubt of the propriety of my moving in the weighty and 
solemn work. My dear friend, Thomas Kite, called down at the 
store to see me, and though he said but little, seemed like one 
who rejoiced that a child w T as born, secretly desiring that preser- 
vation and proper nourishment might be vouchsafed by Him 
who alone can give them. 

Tenth month 15th. " Who do men say that I, the Son of 
Man, am ?" And they said, " Some sslj that thou art John the 
Baptist ; some Elias, and others, Jeremias, or one of the pro- 
phets." Various have been the opinions of many, perhaps in 
every age since, respecting the Messiah, and in none, more so 
than in the present. There are societies who consider them- 
selves Christians that make no scruple to profess they believe 
Him to be no other than man, though they acknowledge He 
was a great prophet, divinely inspired, but in no way differing 
from those prophets and good men who preceded Him. It is a 
most fearful state of unbelief to be introduced into, and must 
finally land the mind in great wretchedness. 

When Jesus put the question to his disciples, "But who say ye 
that I am ?" Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of 
the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed 
art thou, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it 
unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven ; and I say also unto 
thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock 1 will build my 
church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Men 
may endeavor to satisfy themselves, from the testimony of the 
prophets and apostles, respecting our blessed Saviour, whose tes- 



48 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1818 

timony is true and invaluable to the true believer, yet I believe 
the saving knowledge of God and of his dear Son, and true faith 
in Him, are received in no other way but by the revelation of 
the Spirit in the soul. By a childlike reception and reliance 
upon its divine openings, walking in the obedience of faith, we 
shall be prepared for further discoveries of his will, and be 
gradually enabled to comprehend in degree, as He sees fit, the 
mystery of Godliness. Numerous are the testimonies of Christ 
himself and of his apostles to his eternal divinity, as recorded 
in the Scriptures of Truth, which become substantial evidence 
to us, as they are unfolded and confirmed by the Holy Spirit ; 
leading us to an unreserved belief of them, as it would assur- 
edly do all who have the Holy Scriptures, and are entirely 
given up to its requirings. The apostle Paul clearly shows the 
distinction between the Son and Sent of the Father, and his 
angels and ministers. "Who maketh his angels, spirits, and 
his ministers a flame of fire ; but unto the Son he saith, Thy 
throne, O God, is forever and ever ; a sceptre of righteousness 
is the sceptre of thy kingdom." 

Tenth month 25th. In our morning and afternoon meetings 
the prevalence of a w y orldly spirit w T as felt. If the profits and 
friendship of the world be our primary pursuit, they become 
in a great measure the gods we worship; and it is not to be 
supposed, that such worshippers who have their backs to the 
temple, will be favored to feel the life of Truth to rise into 
dominion over their fleshly minds, just when they may choose 
to assemble in the character of public worshippers. 

Tenth month 28th. This day was held our Monthly Meeting 
for the Southern District. We had the company of Silas Dowm- 
ing from Long Island, and William Hickman from England. 
On answering some of the Queries, it was evident that much de- 
linquency prevailed in the attendance of our meetings for wor- 
ship and discipline — the free circulation of true love, and its in- 
variable companion, unity, has been much impeded ; and hence 
the barrenness often felt in our meetings for Divine worship ; 
which no doubt is a discouragement to many, who are not suf- 
ficiently zealous in the performance of this essential duty, 
There is a number who are concerned at heart for the upright 
support of our discipline and cannot rest satisfied with super- 
ficial conclusions: but the same cause which hinders the arising 
of Divine life in our assemblies for public worship, operates to 



ISIS.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 49 

produce indifference and unsound judgment on the part of others, 
in relation to the disposal of some cases that come before us. 

Eleventh month 1st. This morning the meeting was held in 
silence. When the disciples enquired of the Master " Who is the 
greatest in the kingdom of heaven ? Jesus called a little child 
unto Him and set him in the midst of them and said, verily, I say 
unto you, except ye be converted and become as little children, 
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. "Whosoever 
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is 
greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Oh the great value of 
true humility! not a mere voluntary servile humility, which is 
often accompanied with an improper admiration of the gifts 
and standing of others. True humility is attained through 
mortification and the abasement of self, while the false and 
spurious, may be held with imaginary importance and a quick- 
ness of sensibility that is incapable of bearing the reproaches of 
others. Under the humbling operations of the power of Truth 
we are prepared for the Master's use, either silently to suffer 
with the Seed that is oppressed in the hearts of men, or when 
He arises, openly to advocate his blessed cause, to bring judg- 
ment home to the transgressor,, and encourage the sincere 
travellers to hold up their heads in hope. 

4th. The marriage of Joseph Ehoads with my sister Hannah 
was accomplished to-day. Being surrounded by friends and 
connections, the occasion frequently revived the recollection of 
my own marriage a few years since, and the endearing coun- 
tenance and manners of a beloved companion, now among the 
spirits of the blessed; and also the uncertain tenure of all 
earthly joys. Eichard Jordan attended the meeting and dined 
with us. He mentioned in his testimony, that our trials if 
rightly profited by, would tend to advance the great work of 
man's salvation I remembered some of my own conflicts, and 
hoped that through the continued goodness of my Heavenly 
Father, I might not miss of being benefited by them, but 
might spend my strength and the remainder of my time in my 
blessed Master's service; either in bearing the requisite share 
of baptism for myself and for the sake of others, or in more 
openly advocating his glorious cause of truth and righteous- 
ness in the earth. 

15th. I have felt concerned for the lapsed, mixed state of the 
church. I have seen a spirit at work among us, which aims at 



50 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1818. 

drawing the minds of many from a simple dependence upon the 
internal guidance of the Head of the Church, and is opposed to 
the administration of sound discipline. It is very ready to 
judge the ministry of substantial Friends, while it pleads for 
that which is supported with money, and stands in the will and 
wisdom of man. We are weak enough already, but propagat- 
ing unsound opinions, neither contributes to our own good nor 
that of others. As certainly as we forsake the secret sense 
which the Truth begets in relation to our individual duty, and 
depend upon the wisdom and the reasoning of man, our minis- 
try will become destitute of the quickening power and virtue 
of the Holy Spirit, and the Society dwindle into lifeless for- 
mality. 

I have continued attending the meeting to which I belong, 
without feeling any inclination to go to any other in the city. 
They have not been without instruction to myself, though I 
have not felt it to be right to impart the exercise which has 
come over me at times, until this morning, when the impres- 
sions attending a little opening were such, that I was induced 
to offer it. 

26th. There are many pollutions in the world with which 
we are liable to be denied, through unwatchfulness, or disobedi- 
ence ; but the Lord of life and glory will not dwell in a defiled 
heart. How necessary then to submit to his purifying bap- 
tisms — that of the Holy G-host and fire ; and when in his un- 
speakable goodness, He has cleansed and prepared the heart a 
fit temple for his Holy Spirit to dwell in, let us be very careful 
how we defile it. "If any man defile the temple of God, him 
will G-od destroy." 

" One day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thou- 
sand years as one day." There is no haste with Him in carry- 
ing on his work ; and in order to witness the accomplishment 
of his gracious purposes concerning us, we must learn to dwell 
in the faith and patience of the saints. Christ Jesus is the 
blessed author and finisher of the saints' faith ; He will furnish 
with sufficient light to discover our respective duties, and as 
we humbly follow his leadings, will carry on and perfect his 
work, to his own praise and our everlasting peace. 

Twelfth month 31st. On the 29th, about two o'clock in the 
afternoon, died our beloved friend, Sarah Wilson, (wife of Ed- 
ward,) a minister and member of our Monthly Meeting. She 



1818.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 51 

was taker, sick on the 26th, and on the 28th became alarm- 
ingly ill, and sank very fast. Her mind was kept in a tranquil 
state, and with much composure she took leave of all her 
family. Eichard Jordan, who was strongly attached to her, I 
understood was present at her departure, and afterwards said 
he thought he had never witnessed such feelings of solemnity 
and awfulness, as on that occasion; accompanied with an indu- 
bitable evidence that she was received into the arms of her 
Saviour in the mansions of everlasting blessedness. She was 
possessed of a mild temper and affable manners — cheerful 
though not light — dignified in her deportment, yet truly hum- 
ble, and manifesting a sympathizing spirit towards those in 
affliction. Her gift in the ministry was precious — her appear- 
ances were not frequent, but attended with a degree of baptis- 
ing virtue, and evidently the product of heartfelt exercise on 
account of those, to whom her divine Master put her forth to 
minister. We might have expected from her age and health, 
and her qualifications for usefulness, that at this time of weak- 
ness in the church, and departure of many from a steady sub- 
mission to the yoke of Christ, she would have been continued 
long to occupy her valuable gift and talents in helping to guard 
the flock, and to build up the waste places of Zion. But He 
who made her what she was, has in his unsearchable wisdom, 
cut short her work in righteousness, and although the priva- 
tion of her society and labors has been painful to us, it 
must be her gain. We have our day's work to perform, and to 
endeavor to have our lamps trimmed and loins girded. Wait- 
ing daily upon our Lord to know and to fulfil his will, is our 
individual duty ; and happy will it be when the end comes, to 
have a well-grounded hope, from the testimony of the Holy 
Spirit, that a place of glorious rest is prepared for us through the 
unutterable mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord ; having 
walked in faithfulness to his divine requirings. 



52 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. [1819. 

CHAPTEE III. 

1819—1823. 

Waiting before the Lord — Visit to Ohio — Unsound Sentiments of Elias 
Hicks — Necessity for Watchfulness — Family Visit — Duty of Keeping in 
True Patience — Severe Illness — Desertion and Distress — Trial of Faith — 
Letter from a Friend — Acknowledged as a Minister — Yearly Meeting — 
Discouraging Fears — Eanterism in New England — Spread of Unsound 
Doctrines — Testimony of J. Whitall — Reflections on the State of Society. 

1819, First month 10th. There is a material difference be- 
tween what we call good thoughts, and being brought to sit 
under the teachings of Christ in our own hearts, when assem- 
bled for divine worship. His words are spirit and they are 
life to the soul ; but the wanderings of the mind in contem- 
plating religious truths, without the influence of his Spirit, 
must end in barrenness and poverty. Hence it is our chief 
business to labor to get to a state of humble waiting before 
Him, that we may be instructed by the gracious words that 
still proceed from Him in his spiritual appearance in the heart. 

Fifth month 2d.' It is a great favor to be redeemed from all 
outward and human dependence, and to have the mind brought 
simply and singly to wait upon God. In a state of reverent 
silence before him, He is at times pleased to manifest himself 
by the diffusion of his light and love, and the soul being 
clothed with gratitude to the Author of all its sure mercies, is 
enabled to worship as in his presence, and to offer up thanks- 
givings and praise to his great name. Herein is experienced 
the communion of saints as at his table, a participation of the 
body and blood of Christ. The soul is nourished and strength- 
ened not only by the living virtue immediately flowing from 
the Head, but is edified by that strength which every joint 
supplieth, by the effectual working of the measure of Grace in 
every part of the body. These views opened before me this 
morning, but for want of coming to a state of humble, patient 
waiting, I did not fully realize them in my own experience. 
Latterly this has been nothing new — but perhaps the period is 
not far distant, when I shall be again restored to a more steady 
and sensible enjoyment of this blessed communion, so essential 
to our spiritual life, and the successful maintenance of the 






1819.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 53 

Christian warfare. Oh ! the necessity of keeping the faith in 
times of stripping and desertion Without it we shall he over- 
come by temptation, rather than be made conquerors. 

Sixth month 11th. After a time of silence for several months, 
on fourth-day the 9th, I again apprehended myself called 
upon to communicate some matter which was opened before 
me. Like many other presentations, I had doubts whether it 
was designed for others, and nearly concluded I should leave 
the meeting in silence ; but after attaining a state of resigna- 
tion either to speak or to be silent, all doubt was removed, and 
I was enabled to offer what came before me, with calmness and a 
degree of innocent boldness. I make these memoranda for my 
own use at a future period of life, should it be prolonged, that on 
looking back I may see how I have progressed from one time 
to another. 

There are many lessons to be learned in silence as well as in 
speaking, and to be brought into a state of childlike docility, 
and obedience to the leadings of our heavenly Shepherd, seems 
to be the principal end of all the dispensations of his wisdom. 
The haughtiness of man must be laid low, and the Lord alone 
exalted in that heart which is prepared to be acceptably en- 
gaged in his service. In a state of deep humility and patient 
waiting upon Him, we become prepared to discern the motions 
of his Spirit, and in simplicity to yield compliance therewith. 
There is as much need to learn to be still, and to know the 
active, forward disposition of the human mind reduced to sub- 
jection, as there is to experience a willingness wrought to per- 
form the Lord's will when it is manifested. He is a wise 
Master Builder, and if we abide under his preparing hand, He 
will fashion us into vessels and instruments for his use. 

Ninth month 26th. Having had some views of attending 
Ohio Yearly Meeting, and being desirous of seeing a beloved 
sister-in-law, I set off the 17th of last month, for Zanesville, to 
which town she had removed with her husband last winter. I 
got there on the 28th, after a lonely ride through a country al- 
together new to me, and remained with them five days. I set 
out homeward for Mount Pleasant, and on the way came up 
with a Friend! residing in that State, who was going to the 
Yearly Meeting. It was pleasant to foil in with a Friend, 
though a stranger to me, and we kept in company throughout 
the remainder of the journey there. I went to a public house. 
5 



54 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1819. 

but was soon comfortably provided for at a Friend's house in 
the village. I attended the sittings of the Yearly Meeting, 
which were accompanied with a good degree of solemnity. 
They had been engaged in revising their discipline, which was 
read and adopted. A proposition to divide the Yearly Meet- 
ing, which had been under consideration for two years, was 
dismissed, from a belief that the time for such a measure was 
not yet come. This conclusion appeared to be unexpected 
by many, but such was the evidence of its propriety, that 
Friends generally expressed their satisfaction with it. This 
opportunity furnished fresh evidence of the goodness and care 
of our Holy Shepherd, who watches his flock by night and by 
day, and in the needful time, as He is waited upon, manifesteth 
himself for its preservation. Several Fri ends from the eastern 
Yearly Meetings were present. I returned home, having been 
absent five weeks and four days. 

Vessels must be emptied before they are prepared to be filled ; 
and not only emptied, but cleansed. This is especially the case 
with the vessels of the Lord's house. 

Tenth month 11th. Attended the Monthly Meeting of Had- 
donfield, in which I had a little service. It was accompanied 
and concluded with peacefulness. 

Eleventh month 2d. Elias Hicks having been in the city six 
days, went out to G-ermantown this morning. The meetings 
where he was present have been very large. The variety and 
novelty in his communications excited much curiosity, a great 
deal of remark, and perhaps, in some instances, disgust. He is 
bold in assertion, extensive in his ranges, and not unfrequently 
appears inconsistent with his previously expressed opinions. 
I was tried with his manner of treating the doctrine of the 
Three that bear record in heaven, in one of his testimonies at 
Mount Pleasant, Ohio. In speaking of the new birth in man, 
as effected by the Holy Spirit, he said, here is Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost ; which according to the manner in which he and 
his adherents applied Scripture, appeared to me to be designed 
to draw away the mind from a sound belief in the Three that 
bear record in heaven, and fasten upon his hearers the idea that 
in no other way are we to believe in the Son of G-od than as 
the new birth in man. I spoke to him as we walked from meeting 
over to Jonathan Taylor's, and remarked that it appeared to 
me he had not held forth the faith of Friends in our Saviour, as 



1819.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 55 

he is glorified at the right hand of the Father. He turned away 
from the subject by saying, " The Apostles were often misunder- 
stood;" but he avoided giving any further explanation of his 
opinions, as we might suppose a man would do who was not 
afraid of being detected, and really held and wished to advocate 
the doctrines of our Saviour and his Apostles. 

It is a favor amidst the noises and confusion there are in the 
world to feel something on which we can rest with certainty. 
As we labor to dwell near the Truth in our ow r n hearts, this is 
at such seasons more eminently experienced, and its advantages 
more correctly prized. "My sheep," said Christ, "hear my 
voice and I know them, and they follow me ; and I give unto 
them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any 
pluck them out of my hand," He is still the Bishop and Shep- 
herd of his flock ; He still feedeth them by day and keepeth 
them by night ; He causeth them to feed in green pastures, the 
pastures of life; He makeththem to lie down beside still waters. 
This is a state of true peacefulness, the enjoyment of that peace 
w T hich passeth the understanding of man, and of which, as we 
abide under the shadow of his wing, the world and all its com- 
motions cannot rob us. 

Eleventh month 5th. I attended the meeting at Springfield 
yesterday, where I was impressed with the belief it was right 
to communicate some matter which opened before me ; but on 
sitting down an inquiry was raised in my mind whether I had 
not better have kept silent. I could not perceive any uneasi- 
ness that convinced me I had erred, and therefore concluded the 
sensation of desertion was best for me, though not pleasant to 
the creature. It is an humbling, mortifying work ; but if we are 
preserved in the Lord's hand, not running without his com- 
mand, nor lagging behind our guide, it will be enough; and 
when He sees proper, He will give evidence that the work is 
his, and that as we faithfully submit to him in all things, He 
will perfect it to his praise — at least this is my sincere hope and 
belief. 

Eleventh month 16th. The instances that have occurred of 
persons who began well, but afterwards made shipwreck of faith 
and of a good conscience, are subjects of mournful reflection, 
both for their's and the great cause' sake. Under feelings of 
love to our Heavenly Father, we may at times be ready to con- 
clude, that we are resolved to Follow Him and shall no more 



56 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. [1819. 

forsake him. The power of temptation is often strong and 
potently pressing, and although, so far, we have been kept from 
being cast away, yet unless the watch is maintained ; and we are 
frequently brought to feel our need of daily help, and that of 
ourselves we cannot stand, and thereby are led to cry unto the 
Lord for preservation, we may be overtaken in an unwary hour, 
and carried by temptation into a land of pits and snares, whence 
we cannot easily escape, and may bring upon ourselves deep 
suffering, and reproach on the holy cause we had espoused. 
The growth from infancy to manhood is by slow and almost 
imperceptible gradations ; as we advance in religious experi- 
ence by little and little, so by a gradual neglect of watchful- 
ness and prayer, we may decline and finally lose our standing 
in the Truth. How important then frequently to remember 
the rock whence we were hewn, and the hole of the pit whence 
we were digged. It was not our own arm that effected this, 
but His who saw us in a state of corruption, and in mercy said 
unto us, live ! Oh let us lie low before Him, and above all 
things desire, that in heights and in depths, He will be pleased 
to keep us in the hollow of his holy hand, and by the cleansing 
operations of his baptizing power, qualify us for the perform- 
ance of our allotted service in his church militant on earth. 

Eleventh month 17th. When the Master directed Simon and 
his companions to launch out into the deep and let down the net 
for a draught; thinking perhaps it would be unavailing, he re- 
plied, that they had toiled all the night and had taken nothing ; 
nevertheless, at thy word I will' let down the net; and com- 
plying with his direction when and where to cast it, they en- 
closed a great multitude of fishes. If this is figurative of the 
Christian's duty and experience, it shows that our exertion, in- 
dependent of Divine direction and aid, will prove unavailing , 
that we must, notwithstanding, be prepared to receive the com- 
mand of our divine Master, and that by obedience we shall 
not fail to obtain that heavenly food which will nourish and 
sustain the soul. 

Twelfth month 26th. Last fifth-day I attended Green Street 
Monthly Meeting. It required some exertion to get through the 
di scouragemen t presented in the way ; but I was satisfied in going, 
as it furnished an opportunity of viewing some of the defects, 
and the want of a lively zeal in some — a worldly spirit having 
so gained the ascendency, that many do not see, or view with 



1820.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 57 

much indifference, the degeneracy that has overtaken us. 
Others having become accustomed to this state of things, al- 
though they sometimes show some concern for the support of 
Truth's cause, yet in a general way, they seem to have scarcely 
energy to make any opposition to unsound measures and con- 
clusions ; and thus they drag along, keeping up something of 
the form, without knowing the power to be in dominion. A 
little service in the second meeting, opened the way for me 
from under a cloud which had rested on me for several months. 
My way was shut up during that period for any public service, 
although I was frequently favored with instructive openings in 
relation to the Christian warfare, and would be almost ready 
to conclude they were designed for others ; but as I kept pa- 
tiently waiting for a satisfactory evidence, they gradually dis- 
appeared. These dispensations are comparable to a state of 
death and burial : out of which nothing but the same quicken- 
ing power that reanimated Lazarus, can raise the soul and 
qualify it for service in the great cause ; and this He will cer- 
tainly do, as we endeavor to keep the faith, waiting upon Him 
for his appearance. "I am the resurrection and the life; he 
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ; 
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die." 
The life of these, though not visible to themselves, is hid with 
Christ in G-od ; and in these seasons, some may be ready to 
conclude, as Martha did respecting her brother, that all hope 
of restoration to life is lost, and by this time they have be- 
come offensive. They may suppose that Divine G-oodness has 
seen them unworthy of his gifts, and consequently He has 
wholly taken them away. But let none of the tribulated fol- 
lowers of Christ cast away their confidence in Him. Although 
He is called the Lord that hideth his face from the house of 
Jacob, He has never said to his wrestling seed, a Seek ye my 
face in vain ;" but when the end of these necessary baptisms is 
attained, He will again appear to their unspeakable comfort, 
renew their faith, and clothe them with fresh qualification to 
sing of his mercies and of his judgments. 

1820. Third month 30th. The Monthly Meeting having been 
brought under religious exercise on account of the frequent ab- 
sence of some of the members from many of our meetings, be- 
lieved it right to separate a few Friends to take the concern in 
charge, and as waj opened to visit the objects of it. When we 



58 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1820. 

sat down together, a sense of our weakness and povei ij was 
felt ; but believing that as our dependence was steadily placed 
upon Him who declared, that if two of his disciples agreed 
touching anything they should ask in his name, it should be 
done for them of his Father, He would grant the requisite 
ability to discharge the duties He required of us, we proceeded 
in making the necessary arrangements for the performance of 
the service ; and so far as I have been a witness, there was rea- 
son for humble thankfulness, for the timely manifestation of 
his goodness, in covering our hearts with love, and furnishing 
matter for the different states of the visited ; with whom we 
were favored with some seasons of great tenderness. 

Sixth month 11th. On reviewing our progress in the above- 
mentioned visit, I believe it was peculiarly useful to myself. 
It afforded an opportunity of experiencing the gentle openings 
of Truth, at times when nothing else could supply ability to 
discharge the service which w T as laid upon us ; thereby strength- 
ening our confidence in the alone Arm of saving help, and 
showing that however destitute we may feel, as we are rightly 
introduced and engaged in his work, He w r ill not fail in due 
season to show Himself strong on the behulf of his children 
whose trust is in Him alone. He will string their bow and 
cover their heads in the time of every battle, and cause them to 
rejoice in his unmerited goodness and condescension. Oh J that 
all who are employed in his service, would hold fast their con- 
fidence, not daring to> go forth without the evidence of his pre- 
j)aring power, but firmly possess their souls in patience until 
the evidence is given ; and then their bow would not be turned 
backward, nor would they fail to perform the work to which 
He has sent them. 

For want of keeping the word of the Lord's patience, how 
are many warming themselves with sparks of their own kind- 
ling, and thereby not only reaping the reward of poverty and 
sorrow, but bringing into disrepute the precious cause, and the 
dignified oifice of a Gospel minister, in which they profess them- 
selves to have a part. Neither the most extensively gifted, nor 
those of the largest experience, have anything of their own to 
communicate which can really profit the people. All must 
reverently wait upon Him, without whom they can do nothing ; 
and it is only as He opens the spring and causes it afresh to 



1820.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 59 

flow, that any, the least or the greatest, are authorized and 
qualified, to attempt to minister to the states of others. 

Sixth month 18th. The Meeting for Sufferings was held 
on the 16th, which I attended, having been appointed by the 
late Yearly Meeting to supply a vacancy. It was an interest- 
ing occasion The degree of responsibility which is attached to 
that body is weighty. They seem like the guardians of the 
principles and character of the Society, in relation to its pub- 
lications, and its appearance before the world in vindication of 
our civil and religious rights, and the rights of the oj^pressed 
who are unable to plead their own cause. 

Seventh month 16th. Several weeks past have been a time of 
much stripping of all qualification for religious service. Such 
seasons are abundantly necessary for me, in order that I may 
from real experience and feeling, become effectually convinced 
that He who puts forth his own sheep and goeth before them, 
is the only Source whence ability can be derived for any good 
word or work. Nothing so indelibly stamps the conviction of 
this, as the withdrawal of his sensible presence. When this is 
the case, our situation resembles Mount Gilboa, where David 
wished there might be neither dew nor rain, nor fields of offer- 
ing. Those seasons would no doubt be shortened if we adhe- 
red faithfully to the Captain of our salvation. But how apt 
are we to become weary of a state in which all our building 
seems to be taken down, and all capacity that was heretofore 
furnished for the work seems to be almost lost. Were it not 
for a secret confidence in the Lord's unfailing goodness, the 
hope of its restoration must be entirely abandoned. He that 
walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking Avhom he may devour, 
is also not wanting in attempts, through his subtle insinua- 
tions, to destroy the love and unity which has been felt with tbe 
brethren, and which seems the only remaining stay to the 
tossed mind. But all bitterness and evil surmising must be 
purged out, and we brought to dwell under the covering of that 
charity which thinketh no evil, and enables to bear patiently 
the reproaches or unfavorable opinions of others. 

Eighth month 21st. Until yesterday I had been silent in 
our meetings, nearly three months. My mind has not, through 
that period, been without encouraging and instructive openings, 
but I did not feel authorized to communicate them ; although 
sometimes almost ready to conclude they were designed for 



60 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1820. 

others as well as myself. But carefully waiting for a satisfac- 
tory evidence of this, they have been gradually withdrawn, and 
the persuasion has generally remained that silence was pro- 
perly my duty. Sometimes I thought perhaps I should no more 
be called on to expose myself in that way, though I had no 
reason to doubt the propriety of my previous steps in this 
work ; yet the floods of temptation were such, that I had not 
always kept the faith so as to have my thoughts sufficiently 
brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and therefore 
I should not be favored with a qualification to advocate the 
power of Divine Grace in enabling to resist temptation, and 
thus tread down the enemy in all his approaches. 

Purity of heart is unquestionably a necessary preparation for 
the Lord's work ; and it is an abominable sentiment that a man 
may be a minister and servant of Jesus Christ, while he is 
trampling upon his holy law written in the heart, serving his 
own lusts. We must in a good degree experience the work of 
regeneration, before we can expect to be entrusted with his 
g^ifts for the edification of the church. After He has given the 
gifts, if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, 
even Jesus Christ the righteous, who knew no sin. In his 
adorable condescension, He is pleased, upon unfeigned repent- 
ance, to blot out our misses and transgressions, restore us to his 
favor, and again clothe with authority to preach the glad 
tidings of tho gospel of salvation. 

Ninth month 27th Several weeks past a malignant fever 
has prevailed in this city, which proved mortal in most of the 
cases. They were not numerous, yet it was found necessary to 
remove the inhabitants from the neighborhood where it first 
appeared, and to fence in the district. It was a little distance 
from my store, and on the night of the 26th of last month, I 
was attacked with the disease, and confined about twelve days, 
greater part of the time to the bed. Eeflecting upon the uncer- 
tainty of the result, and the instances of my unfaithfulness 
which presented, my situation felt truly awful. I remembered 
the description of those who hud eaten and drunk in the Lord's 
presence, partaken of his teachings, and had cast out devils, 
and performed many wonderful works ; but for want of keeping 
their integrity to the end, received at last the awful sentence 
of separation from his holy presence. I seemed to be in com- 
pany with the spirits of those unfaithful servants. The sun 



1820.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 61 

was turned into darkness and the moon into blood, the heavens 
passed away like a scroll, and every mountain and island was 
removed out of its place. The beams of the Sun of righteous 
ness were entirely withdrawn, and the sentence of deatl'. 
seemed to have gone forth. All my former experiences wert 
perfectly obliterated, and there appeared nothing left uj ^n 
which I could ground any hope of happiness. 

After passing several days of darkness, distress and tincer- 
tainty, a glimmer of hope that this was a dispensation for my 
refinement, was j^roduced by the presentation of those expres- 
sions : "The kings of the earth, the great men, and the mighty 
men, hid themselves." I saw that everything " high and lifted 
up," had now disappeared, and I was ready to surrender all 
that the Lord's controversy was with, if I should be again en- 
trusted with time to perform the duties that yet remained to 
fill up my allotted measure. I think I never passed through a 
season, wherein every feeling of Divine good was so entirely 
removed. After some time, my hope and confidence in Divine 
mercy were gradually restored. Some passages of the Scrip- 
tures were opened, and the views I was again favored with, ti'f 
the humility and purity indispensably necessary for a minister 
and servant of Christ, raised the belief that the Divine hand 
was still at work. The language that perhaps " This sickness 
was not unto death, but for the glory of God," raised a further 
hope that I was not cast off; but that He would again have 
mercy, and that it would prove the means for preparing me, 
more acceptably to come up in his service. For if these were 
his fatherly dealings for my purification, though in judgment, 
He had not entirely forsaken me, but in due time would again 
manifest Himself to my comfort and rejoicing. 

A few days after the crisis of the disease, I began to take 
nourishment, and when sufficiently restored, went to my bro- 
ther's, at Springfield, to recover my former strength. 

Twelfth month 24th. In the revelations made to the apostle 
John, he had a view of those who had come through great trib- 
ulation, and had washed their robes and made them white in the 
blood of the Lamb. This vision was corroborative of the testi- 
mony of our blessed Lord to his disciples : " In the world ye 
shall have tribulation," but He immediately adds, "Be of good 
cheer, I have overcome the world." It is in this path the 
righteous have trodden in all ages, and it is only by faithfully 



62 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVAN [1821. 

adhering to the invincible Captain of salvation, that any of the 
present or of any succeeding day, will be enabled to walk in 
their footsteps. There are seasons of bitter trial, and dispensa- 
tions peculiarly abasing, which are necessary for our humilia- 
tion and refinement, and which we have need to recollect 
during their operation, are nothing new. But oh ! the reluct- 
ance we feel at taking these cups. How many start aside at 
the presentation, and seem determined to walk no more with 
their Lord. Such, if they persist, will be cripples all their 
lives ; they cannot attain to the measure of the stature of the 
fulness of Divine power, which He would bestow, where simple 
obedience accompanies all his requisitions. 

In our meeting last fourth-day, the 20th, I felt an intimation 
to kneel, which after a time of shrinking, was given up to. It 
was such a trial as I had never before experienced. I was favored 
to get through, though under such feelings of great unworthi- 
ness and deep mortification, that afterwards I thought if the 
elders were to inform me they were now satisfied I had no part 
in the ministry, it would be sufficient to induce me to refrain 
hereafter from appearing in that way. Although very little 
sense of Divine power seemed to accompany my mind in the 
performance of what I believed was the Master's requiring, I 
have not felt anything like condemnation, but a desire to be 
more steadily devoted to his service, that in childlike simplicity 
I may comply with his commands, however foolish the work 
may appear in the eye of worldly wisdom — this must all be mor- 
tified and laid in the dust. 

1821, Second month 4th. This morning we had a stranger 
at our meeting. In his testimony he told us his mind had been 
much exercised for several days past, under a belief that con- 
siderable change would be made among us in this place. Many 
who were as spiritual fathers and mothers would be removed ; 
and he wished the younger part of the Society might manifest 
the desire Elisha did to continue with his master Elijah, so as 
to bear up their hands during their stay amongst us ; and that 
as he did, we also should be engaged to desire that a double 
portion of the good Spirit which had influenced them, might 
rest on their successors. 

It is consistent with Infinite Wisdom in his dealings with his 
children, to strip them at times of the armor which He had 
furnished for his work, and to draw their attention to the state 



1821.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 63 

of their own minds ; that having been engaged to promote the 
cultivation of the vineyards of others, their own may not be 
neglected. In this dispensation it is necessary to watch against 
the feeling of impatience, so as to be induced to seek after 
something, to supply the loss which is experienced by the re- 
moval of that portion of exercise we have had for others, and 
in which we have been furnished with suitable matter for them 
and food for ourselves. Here it is necessary to keep the faith 
and the patience of the saints ; in which we shall be enabled to 
resist temptation, and be prepared to receive our Lord at his 
coming, who will pronounce those servants blessed, whom He 
shall find watching. 

25th. Several days ago, I had some instructive conversation 
with my beloved father respecting the ministry, and the present 
very depressed state of our religious Society. The falling away 
among us of many, who had been divinely favored with gifts 
for the edification of the church, and perfecting the work as- 
signed them, appeared to me to have produced a slight estima- 
tion of these gifts, and to create the opinion that very little 
dependence was to be placed upon those occupying this station ; 
as such sorrowful evidence had been given of great instability 
in some who had made high profession, and preached much 
against the defects of others. He remarked that the degene- 
racy was not greater than among the Jews ; and yet the pro- 
phets, by faithfulness to the Heavenly Leader, were enabled to 
stand their ground, and boldly declare against the corruptions 
of that day. That a gift in the ministry was more important 
than any other. By living in the gift, keeping daily under 
religious exercise, so as to be prepared to act whenever the gift 
opens any service, and in simplicity, without creaturely contri- 
vance or adorning, yielding obedience thereto, we may experi- 
ence a growth, and be instrumental in building up the waste 
places of Zion. On the other hand, if we keep not close to our 
gifts, we may miss of a growth, and become the means of in- 
troducing a lifeless, windy ministry into the church, which 
may bring people into a form of godliness, but without the 
power. 

Fifth month 10th. When we seem a little to have left that 
innocency and childlike dependence which is essential to those 
who desire to be the faithful companions of a crucified Lord, 
He in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 



64 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1821. 

sees proper to vary his dispensations in order to bring back 
and to show us by experience, that safety is only to be wit- 
nessed through close watchfulness and entire reliance upon 
Him. In our meeting on first-day morning the sixth, a number 
of instructive views passed before my mind, in relation to the 
fearful condition which those will be found in who have been living 
as without G-od in the world, when He rises up to judgment ; 
and also regarding the fallacy of cherishing any disposition 
or practice, opposed to the humility and self-denial of Christ ; to 
which seemed applicable his declaration, " Every plant which 
my heavenly Father has not planted shall be rooted up." 
As has been the case before, these openings disappeared with- 
out leaving much impression, and a time of wrestling with 
floating thoughts, in order to get to a place of steady waiting, 
ensued. Towards the latter part of the meeting, that expres- 
sion again came up, producing the sensation of duty to com- 
municate it, accompanied with the reluctance to engage in 
the awful work. I endeavored to wait for the perturbation to 
subside, that if anything was said, it might be with proper de- 
liberation ; and when the word seemed to be in my mouth, I 
stood up and repeated the above expression of our Saviour, with 
some little addition ; but as I waited in expectation that further 
matter would be furnished, as it had been at other times, to my 
admiration, the prospect died away, with all ability to say a 
word. A declaration of the Most High, respecting his own 
Divine character presented, but fearing to utter anything as in 
his name, without feeling his authority, and thus be liable to 
the query, "Who hath required this at thy hand?" I omitted it 
and stood silent for some little time, and then closed with a 
short observation in reference to the passage I had recited, and 
sat down. I felt quite calm, and, though without seeing how I had 
missed my way, concluded the affair had laid me open to criti- 
cism, and perhaps just censure; but I believed it best to submit 
quietly to all the consequences ; not doubting that if I labored 
to keep near to Him whom I desired to serve, it would prove 
useful in the end. 

When an opportunity occurred, I made the enquiry of my 
beloved parents, whether they did not think I had missed in 
some way? My father, in a tender manner replied, it was best 
not to dwell too much upon it ; what I had said was not un- 
sound, and it was our duty to endeavor to keep near to the gift, 



1321.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 65 

and in simplicity to yield to its requiring^. He had found in 
his services, that to begin low and gradually to rise, as the 
opening strengthened, was safest. This led me to apprehend I 
had spoken too loudly and strongly, from a degree of excitement, 
and that might have been one cause of closing the opening, if 
there was no other. How necessary is it for all who have been 
in measure cleansed by his sanctifying Word, carefully to guard 
against the subtilty of the enemy in all his presentations, lest 
they thereby become wounded ; and in the day when they should 
have on their armor to engage in the Lord's cause, they may 
find that He is not with them, as He was wont to be in seasons 
of greater tenderness, and more faithful obedience to his will. 

After the above event, I received the following note from a 
tender-feeling Friend in the ministry : 

'•Dear Friend: If I was capable of feeling with thee this 
morning, I supposed the opening closed unexpectedly ; and am 
free to tell thee it has several times been my case : when I have 
risen, as I thought in the clearness,, the opening has suddenly 
closed, and I have taken my seat in much self-abasement, 
and been brought into deep searching of heart. But as I have 
endeavored to yield myself to the all-wise disposal of Him, who 
knoweth the motive for action better than we know it our- 
selves, I have found them instructive lessons. He condescends 
to make use of the means best calculated to humble our proud 
natures, and promote our purification, and furtherance in the 
way and work whereunto He hath called us ; making us fully 
sensible from whence cometh our sufficiency, that we may draw 
all our supplies from the alone sure Source of strength and con- 
solation. For verily the applause or the reproaches of men, will 
avail but little in the hour of trial. I feel my own littleness, 
and am aware that my experience is small, but desire thy en- 
couragement and preservation in the Truth. 

Thy affectionate Friend, S. H" 

27th. Living near the river, I have often observed great care 
is taken by the seamen when they come into port, to secure 
their vessels properly at the wharf. "While they are thus riding 
in deep water, although high winds may arise, creating much 
agitation in the unstable element, they remain uninjured. Equal 
caution is manifest when they are about taking their departure. 



6Q 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1821, 



All parts of the rigging are put in complete readiness ; the fasts 
are gradually loosened, and the proper time is watched to de- 
tach the last mooring, in order to guard against running in 
contact with other vessels, and thereby damaging themselves 
and others. When they have satisfactorily made the stream, 
the commands of the pilot must be strictly observed to keep 
from grounding on either shore. This caution is necessarily 
observed in vessels of all dimensions, in proportion to their size 
and importance. These circumstances conveyed instruction to 
me on the subject of the ministry. When the mind is in a state 
of rest, the first openings of Truth may produce a slight im- 
pression of the service to be performed ; or an introduction into a 
painful labor after the life of Truth, under a conviction of our 
inability to do anything for ourselves or others, may tend to let 
the mind down into a view of its own weakness. These sensa- 
tions seem like loosening it from its moorings, and beget a wil- 
lingness to do anything that the Lord may require. Sometimes 
these openings are taken away and seem lost, and are followed 
with the apprehension they will not reappear. But He in whose 
hand the work is, knows when to put forth his own. He gently 
brings the concern up with more life and clearness, until the 
word is in the mouth, and we feel released from all impediment 
to communicate what the Lord may gradually open before us. 
If this preparation is not carefully waited for, either the Gos- 
pel may not be preached, or the instrument labor with pain to 
himself, or to those who hear him. It is of great importance 
to wait for, and to move in the Lord's time. Then shall we be 
enabled, through humble reliance upon Him, faithfully and ac- 
ceptably to comply with all his requirings, in the prosecution 
of this truly weighty and awful work. 

Sixth month 6th. Last week my brother Thomas and my- 
self, went to John Comfort's, in Bucks county, and attended the 
Quarterly Meeting held the 31st. The want of faithful, skilful 
standard-bearers, who know how to keep their places in pa- 
tience, appeared evident. A meeting may be easily drawn from 
a solid, gathered state, by hasty and unadvised interference and 
creaturely activity. 

Seventh month 26th. There are seasons in which it is pecu- 
liarly needful to profit by the exhortation of Paul to Timothy: 
"Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus 
Christ." We cannot suppose he wished him to become callous 



1821.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 67 

and insensible to the natural effect on his feelings, of those 
things which are hard to bear, but that he might attain to that 
state of quiet, firm standing, in which he could patiently endure 
them, without being in danger of making shipwreck and be- 
coming cast away. When little encouragement is to be derived 
from others, and the soul is closely beset with tossing, and is 
tempted to apply to the creature for relief and consolation, 
how needful is it to feel after a renewal of the invincible faith, 
by which we may be enabled to possess the soul in patience, 
and to stand still, confiding in the eternal arm ; in the belief 
that according to his ancient goodness, the Lord will appear in 
due time for our help, and enable us to tread Satan and all his 
presentations under foot, and to ascribe unto the Lord God, the 
power and the glory, and the right to rule and to reign in the 
hearts of all his rational creation. 

Ninth month 9th. Within the last two months I have passed 
through several close trials, which I hope terminated to my ad- 
vantage. The enemy of all righteousness seeks to destroy the 
precious birth which is of Divine begetting. It matters not to 
him by what means • and unless those who are the disciples of 
Christ keep steadily upon the watch, he may even delude them 
under the pretext of religious concern for the preservation of an 
individual, to speak of his defects, or to represent actions which 
he has done innocently, in such a manner to another, as to create 
an unfavorable prejudice against him, and thereby block up his 
way for the free exercise of his gift. What mischief would be 
prevented, if the Divine exhortation was always complied with, 
under the clothing of a restoring spirit : "If thy brother shall 
trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee 
and him alone." Many surmises respecting actions and motives 
would prove unfounded, and the precious unity of the Spirit be 
preserved and strengthened. But through all my besetments 
and plungings, gracious Goodness was near, and manifested itself 
for my help ; and when the tempest beat high, at times the 
Master commanded a calm; furnishing renewed ability to rise 
above all the swellings and raging of the enemy, and to put my 
trust in Him alone, who tenderly watcheth over his flock, and 
preserveth by day and by night. 

16th. The goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father are often 
manifested in visiting us with his love and life, even at times 
when we have not as faithfully kept his command as we should ; 



68 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1822. 

giving us a share of the work in his vineyard, and thereby en- 
gaging us to bow before Him in gratitude and humility. "What 
cause have we reverently to acknowledge his long suffering and 
kindness toward us, in plucking our feet out of the miry clay, 
and setting them upon a Eock that is higher than we, again 
establishing our goings, and putting a new song into our mouths, 
even praises to his great and everlastingly worthy name. I feel 
desirous to increase in dedication and obedience to Him ; so that 
everything that denies may be escaped, and my heart be made 
and preserved a temple for his holiness to dwell in. 

1822, Second month 3d. The Monthly Meeting having re- 
commended me to the care of the Quarterly Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders in the Eleventh month last, after holding the 
subject under its consideration, I was yesterday acknowledged 
a minister by that meeting, and acquainted with its conclusion 
this morning, by two Friends, nominated for the purpose. No 
station in the church will exempt us from temptation. Poverty 
has been my clothing, and the evil one has not been wanting 
in his presentations in order to draw the mind from the watch, 
and render it unfit for the reception of heavenly good. 

Third month 1st. The ministry of the Grospel is a deep and 
weighty work. Many baptisms and mortifications are often 
necessary, to prepare the creature to minister altogether from 
the gift, and unreservedly to attribute the praise and the power 
to Him from whom alone it is derived, and to whom it belongs. 
These dispensations are ungrateful to our natural feelings. 
Abasement and insufficiency in ourselves, manifested to the 
view of others, seem the opposite of that ability with which 
the creature delights to be furnished, and which the great Head 
of the church, at times, graciously affords, but for wise purposes, 
also sees proper to withhold in a great degree, even when a neces- 
sity is imposed to stand forth in the work. In such case it is 
difficult to see the right stepping stones ; and if we do not abide 
under the cross, we may utter what He does not give ; which 
confuses the mind, exposes our impotence, and fails to profit the 
people. I think this was my oavii case, in some measure, about 
two weeks back. It had an humbling effect, producing convic- 
tion of my utter incapacity for the work, only as the Lord is 
pleased renewedly to endow with fresh qualification and matter 
for the service. 

Fourth month 21st. During the past week was held our 



1822.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 69 

Yearly Meeting. On the previous seventh-day I attended that 
for ministers and elders, the first Select Meeting I have sat 
in. The answers to the queries would indicate a sound sub- 
stantial ministry among us ; but it is sorrowful to believe that 
they do not all give a just view of its state. There is much 
passed off upon the people for Gospel ministry, which is no better 
than the divination of man, having its origin in his will and 
contrivance. Many are deceived with it, for want of having 
access themselves to that which is within the veil, and would 
give a true sense of what is, and what is not of the pure Truth. 
While the minds of people are outward, looking for words, 
and ministers are not careful steadfastly to keep in their tents, 
until the true Shepherd puts forth and goes before, but are 
seeking to gratify the itching ear and their own unruly tongues, 
we shall have a ministry of words ; which though amusing to 
the multitude and tickling the vanity of the preacher, will 
eventually land both in confusion and barrenness. 

Our beloved Friend, George Withy, from Frenchay, near 
Bristol, England, was with us, and faithfully bore testimony to 
the ancient foundation on which the Church of Christ is built, 
and to the doctrines of the everlasting Gospel; cautioning 
Friends against airy flights into the region of speculation ; and 
declaring that however some may soar, as among the stars, 
or build their nests as with the eagles, the Lord in his time 
would bring them down, and lay their honor, (if honor it might 
be called,) in the dust. It was now a time of peculiar trial, 
permitted to come upon us ; but as we dwelt in the everlasting 
patience, the time would again come, when the Lord would take 
his work into his own hands, and it should again be said, "The 
Lord's power is over all." 

We got through the business of the meeting for discipline in 
a pretty satisfactory manner. In all the sittings a degree of 
weight and solemnity was felt, although in one a spirit of 
darkness got up, through the unadvised interference of a few, 
as well as the unsavory doctrine one of them held forth. Sev- 
eral important subjects were brought before the meeting. A 
committee, which had been appointed to visit the Quarterly and 
Monthly Meetings, made an explicit report of the state of things 
within our borders, exhibiting evidence of great declension 
from the life and power we make profession of. The propriety 
of endeavoring to advance our testimony against the distill a- 
6 



70 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [l 822. 

tion, trading in and retailing of spirituous liquors, was called 
into view by a minute from ITaddonfield Quarterly Meeting, 
and the subject was recommended to the weighty attention of 
subordinate meetings, which were desired to report the result of 
their labors. 

Seventh month 17th. Under an apprehension it would be 
proper for me to attend the meeting at the Twelfth Street house, 
last first-day morning, I went to it. It was a trial, but being 
desirous to be wherever it was my place, I gave up to the im- 
pression, though not without various thoughts how it might 
terminate. In the course of the meeting, there seemed to me 
much want of a real sensibility on the important object for 
which we had convened. The minds of some seemed outward, 
and destitute of that travail and exercise of spirit which must 
be maintained, in order to experience the arising of Divine life 
and virtue in themselves. As these thoughts and sensations 
continued with me much of the time, I believed it right to stand 
up, and as it might be opened before me, express the views we 
hold of the nature of Divine worship, and the requisite prepar- 
ation for its right performance. There was something of the 
openings of Divine life experienced ; but not keeping sufficiently 
low, I got, as I apprehended afterward, a little from the gift, 
and expressed a sentence or two, which though sound, yet wanted 
the savor of life ; and on sitting down I was apprehensive that 
very little baptising influence had accompanied my testimony. 

I was almost a stranger in the meeting, having but seldom 
attended it, and felt mortified and concerned lest I was instru- 
mental in ministering to a state of death, painful to those who 
are preserved alive in the Truth. On returning home and re- 
flecting upon what had passed, I gave way to the suggestions 
of the evil-one to such degree, that I became carried away with 
his insinuations. My pride was mortified with the belief, that 
those at meeting must have seen my inability for the work, and 
I concluded it was evident I was unfit for the ministry. Under 
much distress, and fear lest I might be drawn from the true 
foundation, my secret petitions, through an interval of tender- 
ness, were put up, that He who only could preserve from falling, 
would be round about, and still keep the swellings of tempta- 
tions from overpowering me. I hope the instruction conveyed 
under this occurrence will not be soon forgotten. The repeti- 
tion of such is very undesirable to the unmortified pride of man, 



1822.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 71 

and doubtless would be less frequent if we dwelt in the valley 
of humility, keeping a watch over that tendency in us to be 
exalted by the favors conferred ; not to feed our pride, but for 
the honor of his great Name who immediately bestows them, 
and for the advancement of his cause in the earth. 

About a week afterward I met a beloved elderly Friend, 
and told him of the distress I had passed through, from the ap- 
prehension that my appearance at their meeting was not 
accompanied with the savor of life, as gospel ministry ought to 
be. He was very tender of me, and gave me to understand 
that it had not given him any uneasiness. So I hoped that, in 
part, my distress had been produced through the buffetings of 
Satan. 

Ninth month 17th. In the course of the last five years, a 
few members of our religious Society in the Eastern States, 
having indulged a disposition to think themselves wise above 
what is written, fell into the practice of spiritualizing many 
parts of the Holy Scriptures which have a literal meaning. 
Differing from their Friends respecting some passages, and 
imagining they had attained to greater light and experience, 
they pretended that as every one had the light in himself, their 
supposed revelations were not to be submitted to the judgment 
of others, as any criterion of their correctness. Their preten- 
sions were plausible in the view of those who were unacquainted 
with the delusions of Satan, and as they could make long 
speeches with feigned words and high sounding sentiments, 
they deceived some into the opinion that they were to revive 
the ancient principles and spirituality of the Society ; from 
which, they averred, it had now lamentably degenerated. At 
first their real sentiments were much concealed ; but as they 
became exalted in their own conceit, and the childlike state, in 
which alone there is safety, was lost, they grew more bold, 
their errors more apparent, and they denounced the Society 
generally, as corrupt ; and some went so far as to pronounce 
individuals as cursed. They were labored with by their 
friends for their preservation and recovery, but to little effect; 
they alleged that they could see the states of others, but such 
were their attainments, that others could not comprehend them. 
All kind of restraint was irksome. They pronounced the dis- 
cipline mere tradition, and useless to those who had a spiritual 
guide; meetings of ministers and elders were compared to 



72 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1822. 

synagogues of Satan, where the power and influence of mystery 
Babylon were peculiarly exerted. Thus a disposition was 
openly manifested wholly to disregard the order of the Society, 
and to set at defiance the government and subordination which 
must be maintained, to preserve a religious body from anarchy 
and confusion. 

Several of those people having run out in principle, and in 
their unbecoming conduct, given great disturbance to some 
meetings, they were finally disowned. But the delusive spirit 
which actuated those persons, was not slain or banished from 
our borders. It is covertly at work in other Yearly Meetings, 
sowing the seeds of disorganization, and laboring to destroy 
the faith of the members in the fundamental doctrines of the 
gospel, as laid down in the New Testament, and professed and 
fully believed by our religious Society from its rise. And 
what adds to the mournful consideration, is, that many who 
have been divinely visited, and in measure obedient to the 
visitation, do not believe this to be the case ; but are giving their 
strength to that spirit, which it is much to be feared has gained 
the ascendancy in some persons of influence in the Society. 
Efforts have been made to lay waste the faith of Friends, in the 
divinity and atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the 
Divine authority of the Holy Scriptures; doubtless for the 
purpose of destroying them as a test of doctrines, and to make 
way for the introduction and more easy spread of infidel senti- 
ments. The qualifications and authority, which through long 
faithfulness to the Truth, have been given to some by the 
blessed Head of the church, for the care and edification of 
others, are by these unsound and disaffected members, consid- 
ered an arbitrary assumption of power. Although well ac- 
quainted with the leadings of the true Shepherd, if such 
experienced Friends unite in opposing the disorganizing at- 
tempts of the enemies of wholesome government and sound 
doctrine, they are considered as dangerous to the religious 
liberty of the members of the Society ; while their concern and 
labor are designed to guard it from licentiousness of principle 
and practice. 

It is a time of peculiar trial, in which it is truly needful for 
every sincere-hearted disciple to have his loins girded and light 
burning, waiting and watching for the coming of his Lord. 
Unless our hearts are kept pure and faithful to Him, we shall 



1822J JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 73 

not be prepared to meet Him at his coming; and it is only 
when He appears, that ability is received to advocate his cause 
availingly, and to exalt the Truth and its blessed testimonies, 
over all unruly spirits. 

Eleventh month 20th. Last first-day I attended Darby Meet- 
ing. The advantages of a humble, dedicated state of mind, 
carefully leaning on the gentle openings of the Shepherd of 
Israel, were experienced, to my comfort and the renewal of faith 
in his goodness and all-sufficiency. 

Twelfth month 14th. Elias Hicks having been set at liberty 
by his Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, to visit parts of our 
Yearly Meeting, and to attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting, he 
arrived in Philadelphia the 7th of this month. 

The following testimony was drawn up by Joseph Whitall, 
a minister who was remarkably well versed in the doctrines of 
our religious Society, as set forth by Robert Barclay, and other 
ancient Friends, and a most firm and steadfast believer in 
them: 

"Having attended the last Yearly Meeting at ISTew York, I 
heard Elias Hicks declare, in a publi'c testimony, in a large 
meeting in the North House, that "The same power that made 
Christ a Christian must make us Christians; and the same 
power that saved Him must save us." Being very uneasy with 
the doctrine, I took a private opportunity to state to him my 
uneasiness. I informed him that for several years, reports had 
been in circulation unfavorable towards him, and that on those oc- 
casions, I had vindicated his character, from a belief that he must 
have been misrepresented ; until last fall I met with a piece in 
writing, said to be from his pen, in which he called Christ the 
Jewish Messiah; that He was only the Saviour of the Jews; 
and that He was not the Son of God, till after the baptism by 
John, and the descent of the Holy Ghost. To this I offered my 
objections as unscriptural ; but he justified them. He also de- 
clared that he considered it a matter of the greatest encourage- 
ment to believe that Christ was no more than a man, for if he 
were anything more, it would destroy the effect of his example to 
him. He admitted that he had not, till of latter time, held up 
the doctrine that Christ was liable to fall like other men. 
When I quoted the testimony of John, that the Word was made 
fiesh, (or took flesh,) he said it was impossible. I offered my 



74 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1823. 

sentiment, that if he persisted in preaching these doctrines, so 
contrary to the Scriptures, and the testimony of our ancient 
Friends, it would produce one of the greatest schisms that had 
ever happened. He allowed it would produce a schism, but 
that it would soon be over, for he believed his doctrine must 
and would prevail. Seeing that we differed so widely in senti- 
ment on these points, I proposed to him to have a few solid 
Friends, ministers and elders, convened, that a discussion might 
be had ; but he would not consent thereto ; saying that he was 
so confirmed in his sentiments, that he should persevere there- 
in, let the consequences be what they might." 

Signed, Joseph Whitall. 

Philadelphia, Twelfth month 12th, 1822. 

On fifth-day, the 19th, E. Hicks attended Green Street Meet- 
ing; said much that was very exceptionable, as it evidently 
tended to lower our Saviour to an equality with his servants, 
and also to lessen the authority of the Holy Scriptures. 

Twelfth month 26th. E. Hicks left the city yesterday 
morning. It seemed removing a weight of anxiety from our 
minds, and if his principles would vanish as easily, the relief 
would be still more complete. 

1823, First month 5th. It is mournful to reflect upon the 
present state of our religious Society, in many places. While 
there is preserved a large body of substantial Friends, many 
others, deeply immersed in the love of the world, the desire of 
ease and outward greatness, and wanting in religious depth, are 
degenerated from that purity of heart, and well-founded zeal for 
the support of our principles and Christian testimonies, which 
so conspicuously appeared amongst our primitive Friends. 
Their principles, and testimonies were dearer to them than all 
temporal accommodations,, liberty, or life itself. Being pre- 
served in a state of living faith and devotion to Christ Jesus, 
their Lord and Master, they were made quick in discerning the 
approach of the enemy in his most insidious forms; and they 
kept their eye inward to the Lord. Through his baptizing 
power, they were united together in bearing a faithful protest 
against the devices of Satan and his agents, and were thus ren- 
dered instrumental in warning and preserving the flock from 
his desolating ravages. But weakness and blindness have so 
overtaken many at this day, that they seem scarcely to know 



1^23.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 75 

their own religious principles, and not being circumcised in 
heart and ears, are carried away with the sophistry of some, 
who through self-conceit and dependence upon their powers as 
men, have gone about disseminating their unsound views; much 
to the grief of those yet preserved as a righteous seed, and 
greatly to the injury of the inexperienced in the work of regen- 
eration, and of the general welfare of the body at large. 

When we hear that sentiments degrading to the divinity of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Divine authority of the Holy 
Scriptures, are not only openly delivered from our galleries, and 
their unsoundness unnoticed, but contended for as being real 
gospel ministry, even by ministers and elders, it may be said 
the signs of the times are awfully portentous. What the effects 
of these things may be, is not yet manifest, though, I believe, 
all such persons, with their anti-christian sentiments, will be 
laid low. It may be permitted, as a scourge, to go through the 
Society, in order to discover the foundations we are severally 
building upon, and who those are that prefer Jerusalem to their 
chief joy. Certainly, the devastations of this spirit, and its 
doctrines, will be great, and the sufferings of those who stand 
firm against it will be proportionally severe. But if we can be 
favored to keep our habitations in the immutable Truth, the 
storm will beat against us in vain, to destroy the faith ; and 
when the tribulation of those days is overpast, like Noah, re- 
leased from his confinement, we also, in a feeling of the abate- 
ment of the floods of trial and deep suffering, will be permitted 
tc offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise, from hearts 
coutrited under a sense of the Lord's goodness and care over 
us. 



76 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1823. 

CIAPTEE IV. 

1823—1826. 

" Paul and Amicus " — Yearly Meeting — Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting — 
William Forster, Jr. — Richard Jordan — Visit to Washington about the 
Slave trade — Attends Baltimore Yearly Meeting — Fatherly Advice — Want 
of a United Travail by Ministers and Elders — Visit to Quarterly Meet- 
ings — Yearly Meeting — Extraordinary Case Eelated — Letter to his Brother 
Thomas — Attends Rhode Island Yearly Meeting — Canonicut — South 
Kingston — Testimony of his Mother — Second Marriage — Yearly Meeting 
— Concern Respecting the Spread of Unsound Doctrines by Ministers — 
Nearly Meeting — Attends New York Yearly Meeting. 

First month 17th. An adjourned Meeting for Sufferings was 
held to-day. A person with the signature of Paul, having, in 
the Christian Kepository, at Wilmington, Delaware, addressed 
the Society of Friends on some doctrinal points, was replied to 
by another, "Amicus," declaring himself to be a member of the 
Society. After the controversy had been continued more than 
a year, the dispute embraced the Trinity, Divinity of Christ, 
and the Atonement; and sentiments being advanced by Amicus, 
which some Friends believed to be derogatory to our faith, the 
subject was introduced to a late Meeting for Sufferings, para- 
graphs read, and a committee appointed to take the whole sub- 
ject into consideration, and to report what they might judge 
proper for the occasion. Their report was now produced, con- 
taining a clause, disavowing any knowledge of Amicus, &c. ; to 
be printed with those essays, which we were informed are de- 
signed to be republished in pamphlet form. It also set forth 
our belief respecting the Holy Scriptures, our faith in God, and 
in our Lord Jesus Christ, his advent, sufferings, death, atone- 
ment and resurrection, and ascension, chiefly taken from the 
writings of ancient Friends. 

They were agreed to; the former to be sent to the Wilming- 
ton editor, and the latter to be printed in a pamphlet, and 
distributed through our Yearly Meeting. The excitement 
prevailing in our city, and in other places, occasioned by the 
visit of E. Hicks, produced fears in some, of circulating anything 
of the kind at this time, and the Meeting not coming to any 
decision at its first sitting, adjourned till the afternoon. On sit- 



1823.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 77 

ting down together again, the influence of external commotion 
seemed to have subsided, and Friends were enabled, under a 
covering of unusual solemnity, to unite in the foregoing con- 
clusions. 

Whatever may have been E. Hick's object in his visit to this 
city, the effects have been, discord and divisions among Friends. 
Old friendships have been dissolved, and new ones formed, ac- 
cording as persons have agreed or disagreed, respecting his 
pernicious opinions. Ministers opposed to them, are suspected 
to allude, in their ministry, to particular circumstances or in- 
dividuals, because of the closeness of its application, and their 
way is accordingly much shut up. 

Third month 16th. Feeling an impression upon my mind, I 
have attended all Friends' meetings for worship in the city, and 
through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel 
have in all of them been enabled to deliver what was opened to 
me, pretty much to my relief and satisfaction. In some it was 
trying, owing to the lowness of the stream, and perhaps, some 
opposition from the party spirit that prevails. This is at work 
to subvert the order and principles of the Society, and to gain 
an ascendency over those who desire to maintain them faith- 
fully, in the wisdom and authority of Truth. The sense of this, 
and that many, who in years past were preciously visited, with 
whom we had fellowship, have now become leavened with this 
spirit, and are giving their strength to it, is truly affecting, and 
occasions much mourning for them, and for the precious cause' 
sake. 

Fourth month 21st. This day commenced the sittings of our 
Yearly Meeting. After the reading of the minutes of the Meet- 
ing for Sufferings, a valuable, judicious Friend rose and said he 
felt more than a liberty to express his entire unity with the 
proceedings of .that meeting, and he wished their encourage- 
ment. Immediately after him, a member said, that in regard to 
that "creed, or confession of faith," contained in the minutes, he 
thought it right to say, "Who hath required this at your 
hands?" This was the signal for opposition; and those extracts 
from the writings of George Fox, E. Barclay, W. Penn, E. Cla- 
ridge, and W. Sewell, containing the most solemn and impor- 
tant truths of the Christian's faith, mostly expressed in Scripture 
terms, were denounced by some wild, inexperienced persons, as 
inconsistent with reason, revelation, and the Holy Scriptures. 



78 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1823. 

It broke out and spread, like a flame among light rubbish. 
Many unbecoming expressions were used, both in relation to the 
doctrine, and the Meeting for Sufferings. It soon appeared that 
much confusion was at hand, and the Meeting adjourned till 9 
o'clock the next morning. Nearly three hours were then spent 
in discussing a proposition to expunge those extracts from the 
Meeting for Sufferings' minutes. Another person proposed that 
a committee be appointed to examine and report their judgment 
of the proceedings of that meeting. A preacher residing in this 
city, joined with this, and further recommended they should be 
instructed to consider the constitution of that body. He thought 
a radical change was wanting; the members should hold the 
office for three years, and five be chosen out of each Quarterly 
Meeting. Another thought the two subjects should be kept 
distinct, and urged the expunging of the extracts, and postpon- 
ing the other to a future sitting. 

During this scene of confusion, and unexampled torrent of 
abuse, and invidious reflection upon the Meeting for Sufferings, 
the members of that meeting remained unmoved, and patiently 
bore the unbecoming conduct of many, without making a single 
retort. The clerk was several times urged to make a minute 
directing the obnoxious record to be expunged, and one pro- 
posed that if he persisted in deferring to do it, that another 
Friend should be named to take his place. 

At length my father rose, and gave a concise statement of the 
institution of that Meeting, and its operations. He mentioned 
that the publication of our religious principles had been re- 
peatedly made by it, in various ways, and denied the truth of 
those insinuations of design, on its part, to impose anything 
upon the Society; that the extracts were drawn from Fox, 
Barclay, Penn and other books, repeatedly printed and owned 
by our Society, &c. His remarks appeared to have an effect 
upon the meeting, and the clerk stated that he w-as the servant 
of the meeting, and had been endeavoring to discover what was 
the mind of the meeting, but from so many propositions and 
opposite opinions, he was unable to decide, and, therefore, 
would suggest that a minute be made, directing the Meeting for 
Sufferings not to publish the Extracts. This was acceded to by 
some of the leading opponents; but others more violent openly 
rejected it, and seemed determined to be satisfied with nothing 
short of an obliteration. The clerk's proposal, however, at 



1823.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 79 

length prevailed ; but some remarked, that allowing it to re- 
main upon the minutes, was acknowledging the doctrine by the 
Yearly Meeting. 

This circumstance was altogether a new kind of exercise to 
some of us, but it was cause of gratitude, to be favored with 
calmness and entire freedom from all irritation. Indeed, it 
seemed like being preserved from the strife of tongues, and hid 
in the secret of the tabernacle of the Most High. The remain- 
ing sittings of the meeting were generally more satisfactory ; 
though often attended by a painful feeling of the presence of 
false brethren. Our dear friend, William Forster, Jr., from Eng- 
land, in the closing sitting, was engaged in fervent supplica- 
tion for the extendings of Divine regard towards the Lord's 
tribulated children ; and the meeting closed soon after, under a 
covering of most solemn and impressive silence, which pro- 
duced in my heart the involuntary acknowledgment, we are 
unworthy of this. 

Fifth month 3d, Was held our Quarterly Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders. In the deliberations, a spirit was manifest, 
that would overturn the order of the Society, crying out over- 
bearance, and want of condescension, in those who felt bound 
to support it. The feelings produced by the spread of this 
spirit are becoming more painful, and as it gains strength, the 
love and life of Truth are departing from such. Many are robbed 
of their true strength, and they know it not ; but are so deluded as 
to believe they are engaged in the work of reformation ; while 
alas! blindness and insensibility have lamentably overtaken them. 

5th. The Quarterly Meeting for Discipline got through the 
little business which came before it with general harmony ; our 
friend, William Forster, Jr., having much acceptable and appro- 
priate service amongst us. 

7th. Feeling much sympathy with our beloved friend, Wil- 
liam Forster, Jr., in the trying path in which he is led amongst 
us, and his way being increasingly discouraging, I was inclined to 
meet him at Crop well, and spend a day or two in his company; 
as he was about leaving the city, with the prospect of being- 
absent many months. Accordingly, in company with our 
worthy friend, Richard Jordan, I attended that meeting; in 
which they were both engaged in public labor. In the after- 
noon we rode to Moorestown, and were at the Monthly Meeting 
there next day. W illiam was much opened into the state of the 



80 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1823. 

Meeting, and upon several important doctrinal points. After 
he had taken his seat, my mind having been introduced into 
desire for the preservation of the few still left, who were given 
to suffer for the name of their dear Lord and Master, I believed 
it right to endeavor to encourage them to stand upon the watch, 
that no man might deprive them of their crown ; and that in his 
own time He would give the victory over our enemies, even if 
it be through suffering. E. Jordan followed, and in a forcible 
manner labored to show the condescension of the Eedeemer, 
and the danger those were in, who were crucifying Him afresh, 
counting the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and doing 
despite to the Spirit of Grace. I believe we all left the meet- 
ing with heavy hearts, from the fear that many had been be- 
guiled, and were in jeopardy of becoming bewildered in the 
mazes of uncertain speculation, by following their own mi- 
mortified wills, instead of living under the daily operation of 
the cross of Christ. 

In the afternoon we rode to Josiah Reeve's, at Upper Eves- 
ham, where we passed an agreeable evening. "W. Forster, Jr., 
set out next morning for Bass River, and we returned home. 

18th. This morning being first-day, I went over to Newtown 
Meeting, accompanied by my brother Thomas. Pretty early 
in the meeting Richard Jordan rose, and after some introduc- 
tory matter, opened the subject of man's creation; the purity 
in which he stood; the law given for his preservation and his 
Maker's glory; the penalty attached to the transgression of 
that law, and the consequences affecting himself and his pos- 
terity. By sin he lost the Divine life, wherein he held sweet 
'•ommunion with his Maker; but the Son of God offered himself 
a ransom for fallen man, to be manifested in due time, and pro- 
cured for him the opportunity, and the means to enable him to 
work out his salvation. As in Adam all died, so in and by 
Christ, shall all be made alive ; that is, all who are obedient to 
the requirings of his Holy Spirit, shall be renewed up into the 
image of God, and made alive unto Him. The Apostle testified, 
"Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price; therefore 
glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." 
If Adam's natural life alone had been spared, he remarked, he 
would still have remained in a state of separation from God; as 
he possessed no power whereby he could restore himself to that 
Divine spiritual life which he lost by transgression ; and, there- 



1823.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 81 

fore, the means through which his restoration to the Divine 
communion was to be effected, must also have been provided, 
agreeable to the declaration, "He that spared not his own Sod, 
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with him 
freely give us all things." "And because ye are sons, G-od hath 
sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, 
Father." 

My mind was brought under exercise, in feeling the life- 
lesness and barrenness which predominate among many there ; 
produced by frequent disobedience, and despising the many 
favors which a long suffering God, had from time to time, extend- 
ed to them, immediately and instrumentally. The language was 
brought to view, "You only have I known of all the families of 
the earth, and therefore I will punish you." I was enabled to 
discharge myself pretty fully. E. Jordan appeared in suppli- 
cation, and I hope some profitable impression was made. 

23d. Having been appointed, with several other members of 
the Meeting for Sufferings, to obtain information respecting the 
foreign trade in the natives of Africa, two of us set off this day 
at noon for Washington, and arrived there in about twenty-four 
hours. By the open, frank attentions of the Secretary of the 
Navy, and several of his clerks, we had access to the public 
documents upon the subject, and made such transcripts as we 
thought would be interesting and useful, to show the present 
state of that horrible traffic ; and returned home in about a week. 

Sixth month 22d. Feeling a draft in my mind, I attended the 
meetings in the city, and the Monthly Meeting of Frankford. 
Some humiliating feelings were passed through, which tended 
to diminish self-dependence ; but through all, I had reason to be- 
lieve that the good Hand was still extended, even towards a re- 
bellious gainsaying people, to gather them to the teachings of 
Christ in themselves ; that thereby they might have spiritual 
food in their own houses, and water in their own cisterns. 

Tenth month 15th. Having a concern to attend the meetings 
in this city, I went accordingly to them all, and whatever effect 
may have been produced upon others, I derived some instruc- 
tion in the exercise of the gift of Gospel ministry. In the 
first meeting, the matter opened before me, as I thought, too 
slowly to be accompanied with the evidence that it was of 
Divine origin, which I desired. Sometimes I was ready to fear 
I should stop and close in confusion. But as I endeavored to 



82 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1823. 

be composed and steady in my mind, the openings continued, 
until I believed my duty was discharged. I felt calm and peace- 
ful. 

The strait into which I had been brought, remained with me 
several days, and had a useful effect ; and to the close of this 
service, I was more and more favored with the Master's help, 
and no doubt, it tended to enable me to bear these favors, with- 
out being puffed up with them, as poor, weak mortals are too 
apt to be. It also increased my dependence upon, and confidence 
in the Divine openings of the gift; by which I was enabled to 
speak more deliberately, and to avoid alarm when matter did not 
flow as fast as I wished, or the sense of power was not as strong 
as I desired. 

We have great cause to put our trust in the great Shepherd 
of the sheep, who is altogether sufficient for his own work, and 
will take care of it and of us too, as we faithfully follow and rely 
upon Him. He will not only put us forth, but go before, quali- 
fying as He shall see meet, for the work whereunto He hath 
called us, gradually enlarging the gift, and instructing us in the 
right use and improvement of it. On the 13th I attended Had- 
donfield Monthly Meeting, where we had the company of Micajah 
Collins. It was to some of us a serious time, and we hoped an 
awakening one to some there. 

Eleventh month 6th. Having attended the Yearly Meeting 
of Baltimore, with a minute of unity of the Monthly Meeting, 
I returned home some days since. Being the first religious visit 
with a minute, I felt more than usual on the occasion ; desiring 
I might be preserved from everything, either in meeting or out 
among Friends, that would injure any one, or the cause in which 
I professed to be engaged. A reserved deportment is an unwel- 
come restraint to young people, whose minds are not under the 
tendering visitations of Heavenly good; and it is a trial to ap- 
prehend that our company produces this kind of feeling in them. 
But although cheerfulness, rightly tempered, is at times, pro- 
perly the innocent clothing of the devoted mind, yet there are 
seasons when we are called to mourning, and the tongue seems 
as if it would cleave to the roof of the mouth. Subjects for 
conversation vanish, and we sit as objects of wonder or ridi- 
cule. This is mortifying to the pride of our nature ; but it is 
nevertheless useful to ourselves, and may be also to some whose 
conditions ve are not fully aware of. It is not a pleasant thing 



1823.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 83 

to be a savour of death unto any, and unless our sufficiency for 
these things is derived from above, we may turn aside into what 
is not convenient for ourselves or others. To maintain a steady 
exercise of spirit, contributes to preserve our own strength; and 
may minister a savor of life to some whose souls are secretly 
bowed, when their exterior would not indicate such a state. 

I think the Meeting was generally favored with, the over- 
shado wings of Divine good; by which the faithful were enabled 
in good measure to keep down wrong things, and the meeting 
preserved in a solid frame. It was not a time for rejoicing, as 
it felt as if the power of Truth rose very little higher than to 
keep unsettled spirits in subjection; while some were clothed 
with a sense that a disposition secretly prevailed to change 
laws, and customs, and principles heretofore owned and estab- 
lished by the great Head himself. Indeed, it seemed that un- 
less He who rules with a rod of iron, and dashes in pieces, as a 
potter's vessel, whenever He sees fit, should manifest himself 
in a remarkable manner, for limiting the raging waves of the 
sea of unbelief, our Society will be overspread in this country, 
from north to south and from east to west, with the desolating 
ravages of that spirit, which is adulterated from the innocent 
life, and seeks to draw from the faith and simplicity of the 
gospel of Christ, into a dependence upon and conformity 
with the fallen wisdom of man. Its baits and snares are many, 
generally concealed under the guise of greater spirituality, and 
freedom from all entanglement by doctrine and church order 
and government. It is very confident of its own, and ever 
ready to condemn or lightly esteem the service of others, who 
see into its devices and testify against them. 

When about leaving home, my beloved father wrote me a 
note on something he wished attended to, to which he sub- 
joined the following useful hints: "Attending a Yearly Meet- 
ing exposes to much company ; and watchfulness against a great 
deal of conversation seems peculiarly needful, lest weakness 
through that channel be introduced into the mind ; and in 
meetings I have found it most conducive to a right getting on, 
to keep my mind as much as possible to an inward exercise. In 
this state, thou wilt experience a qualification to discover the 
openings or shuttings of the Divine hand, and only to move 
when He puts forth; and when He gives ability, make use of 
it in simplicity and faithfulness, not regarding or forecasting 



84 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1824. 

what this or that one may say or think ; for it is the Lord's 
power alone, that is the authority of all our meetings for wor- 
ship and discipline." 

14th. In company with my brother Thomas, I attended the 
Quarterly Meeting at Salem, on the 12th and 13th. A deep 
united travail amongst ministers and elders, both in their select 
meetings and those for worship and discipline, that we might 
experience the baptism of the One Spirit, by which alone we 
are baptized into one body, and enabled to drink together into 
the same Spirit, is much needed among us. Too many are great 
strangers to it, and appear scarcely to understand what it 
means. Oh ! the need there is for us individually, to strive to keep 
near to the Master out of meetings, that we may become ac- 
quainted with his voice, and witness his preserving power, to 
keep us clean from- the various defilements which arise from an 
alliance with the spirit of the world; then we should be better 
prepared to come together in a lively state of mind, to engage 
in the work the Lord would assign to us. It is only as we 
apply to our holy Head for his help and instruction, that we 
can grow in grace and the knowledge of the Son of G-od. All 
speculations on this knowledge are totally incompetent to fur- 
nish one glimpse of his transcendant glory, or to remove doubts 
with which the unregenerate soul is surrounded. These truths 
were held up to view, under a little renewed ability, derived 
from his exhaustless treasury, though accompanied with feel- 
ings that there were impediments to the free arising of the 
power of Truth into dominion. 

1824, Second month 2d. In our Quarterly Meeting we had 
the company of our friends, William Forster, Jr , and John 
Justice of Bucks County. It was attended with painful feel- 
ings, from the prevalency of a disorganizing spirit, covertly at 
work, to unsettle the unwary, and to strengthen those who are 
enemies to the cross of Christ, and consequently to good order 
and sound judgment in the church. Sensible that the Divine 
life and power of Truth were oppressed, the honest-hearted were 
bowed in spirit, and kept in a state of silent waiting and suf- 
fering. One of the unsettled, members said, the knowledge of 
the Scriptures puffed up ; they made hireling ministers, and had 
done more hurt than good in our Society ; and he was not easy 
to apply the word holy to them : this was a plain indication of 
the evil spirit of unbelief at work among these people. 



1824.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS.. 65 

The power of Truth appeared to gain but little ascendency, 
yet these disturbers were so kept down, that the meeting passed 
over without any material difficulty, except the painful sensa- 
tions produced by those remarks. 

15th. On the 7th, I left home for Springfield, attended 
that meeting, and on the 9th proceeded to Concord, and was 
at their Select Quarterly Meeting. The unsoundness of some 
elders was plainly alluded to, and the great loss arising there- 
from to persons in the station of ministers, especially the young 
and inexperienced. How is it possible for elders to judge and 
to decide rightly of the soundness of ministers, when they them- 
selves have departed from the Christian faith, and gone into 
uncertain speculation, and a worldly spirit ? 

In the forepart of the meeting next day, I had something to 
say, by way of ministry; but being under some fear of going 
beyond the commission, I was afterwards apprehensive I took 
my seat too early. It was in backwardness, I attempted to 
speak in so large a meeting ; but I derived some instruction on 
the necessity of faithfully doing our duty, without improperly 
giving way to the fear of man. Yet even in this, I believe 
there may be a snare ; as some who say they are not to fear or 
regard men in their religious duty, run out into great activity, 
to the burthen of the church, and thereby dissipate what little 
tenderness and godly fear they were once favored with. 

I stayed the meeting for worship held at Concord, the follow- 
ing day, the 11th, fn which William Forster, Jr., had close, 
searching service ; fifth-day was with him at Birmingham, and 
went thence in the afternoon to my brother's. The review, upon 
the whole, afforded peace. 

Third month 10th. Having for some weeks had my mind 
turned towards Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, I gave up to 
go this morning, after thinking I was released from it ; having 
no will to go or stay distinct from doing the Divine will. Al- 
though nothing remarkable occurred in either meeting, I was 
well satisfied on my return, that I was led thither. The unme- 
rited mercy of the Shepherd of Israel, in still continuing his 
goodness and favors to us, however undeserving, was felt and held 
forth ; but He might be so slighted by frequent disobedience, 
as to withdraw his kindness, and the gifts which He had be- 
stowed for the good of individuals, and of the Society at large, 
and for the glory and renown of his great Name. There was 
7 



86 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1824. 

some exercise felt in the meeting for discipline, for the preser- 
vation of that which was ready to die, and for restoring the 
waste places in the walls of Zion. But the want of a more 
general living concern and united travail, makes it laborious 
work, and the little apprehended benefit is discouraging; yet I 
hope those who prefer Jerusalem above their chief joy, will 
hold fast their confidence in the Lord's power and goodness; be- 
lieving lie will yet make the courts of Zion to flourish, and 
give them to see the desire of their souls, and be satisfied. 

Fourth month 17th. The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders commenced this day. Some Friends had acceptable ser- 
vice, tending to enforce the practice of inward, reverent waiting 
in our religious meetings ; which will contribute more to gather 
the people than the mere expression of words. The replies to 
the Queries, exhibited a low state of the inferior Meetings of 
Ministers and Elders, as regards unity and blameless conduct 
amongst men, in some places. 

On first-day morning, the 18th, Isaac Stevenson, from Eng- 
land, who was present at Pine Street Meeting, bore a clear and 
unequivocal testimony to the divinity of Christ, and the efficacy 
of his propitiatory sacrifice; that it is through much tribula- 
tion the righteous enter the kingdom ; but there are seasons 
in which they are permitted to have a foretaste of the joys 
which shall be hereafter revealed; that as the glory of the lat- 
ter house was to transcend that of the former, the humble, faith- 
ful traveller at times experiences the glory of the Lord revealed 
in his soul, to his unspeakable consolation. 

On second-day, the 19th, we began the business of the Yearly 
Meeting ; when the reading of the usual epistolary correspond- 
ence brought a solemnity over the meeting ; renewing the evi- 
dence that unity still subsists between the various parts of our 
widely extended Society. The sittings on Third-day were gene- 
rally occupied in hearing the reports and considering the state 
of the subordinate meetings, as set forth in the replies to the 
Queries ; during which much was said to edification. Fourth- 
day morning, the Select Meeting concluded its sessions. A pro- 
position from the Southern Quarterly Meeting, which is located 
in the State of Delaware, where slavery exists, that a rule of 
discipline should be made against Friends hiring slaves for the 
profit of the owners, was referred to a committee ; and at a 
future sitting, a rule was adopted, authorizing Monthly Meet- 



1824 ] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 87 

ings to disown those members who could not be persuaded to 
desist from the practice. 

A woman Friend* who came into our meetino- in the afternoon, 
was extensively engaged in speaking to those members who had 
partaken, or were in danger of eating, of the fruit of the tree of 
unbelief. She related the case of a young man of very superior 
talents and advantages, who spent much time to ascertain and 
decide upon the religious principles he should adopt ; when be- 
fore he was aware, he had so imbibed the spirit of unbelief, that 
he became darkened and bewildered to that degree, his mind 
could settle upon no fixed principles. He adopted the infidel 
opinion that we are not bound to believe what we cannot com- 
prehend ; and then rejected the plain testimony of the Holy 
Scriptures, to the sacred, mysterous truths of the gospel of sal- 
vation, by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It pleased the 
Lord to lay him upon a bed of languishing ; he lingered long", 
and finding himself destitute of all foundation for the hope of 
future happiness in the world to come, his state of mind became 
awful. Ardently desirous of some evidence upon which he 
could rest his hope of salvation, and yet utterly incapable of 
believing the unutterable truths he had so long accustomed 
himself to doubt or call in question, he was led at last fervently 
to pray, that the Lord would be pleased to grant him some as- 
surauce of their reality. After a long season of bitter conflict, 
his prayer was heard; his mind was furnished with a degree of 
the true faith, which is of the operation of the Spirit of G-od in 
the heart ; which had once been tendered by it, and long since lost. 
Xow he could receive the doctrines of the Scriptures, which 
had been to him as sealed with seven seals; and at his desire, 
they were frequently read to him, with some other religious 
books, I think she said, sometimes in the middle of the night. 
He became like a weaned child ; all dependence uj)on reason, or 
any other power of his own, was utterly renounced, and as a 
new-born babe, he now received, with meekness, the engiafted 
Word, which is able to save the soul ; rejoicing in the means 
which a gracious Creator has provided, as helps in the way and 
work of salvation, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The false position which the young man had unwisely adopt- 
ed, was controverted at large : and individuals in the meeting 
were feelingly and fervently labored with, to guard them against 
an evil heart of unbelief, and to convince them of the dangerous 
* Elizabeth Eobson. 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1824. 



consequence of attempting to weaken the testimony of the Holy 
Scriptures, and thus destroy the faith of others, in the doctrines 
of life and salvation by Jesus Christ. 

The remaining business of the Yearly Meeting was satisfac- 
torily disposed of in three sittings, closing on sixth-day even- 
ing. There was much cause for humble acknowledgment to the 
God and Father of all our sure mercies, for the signal and con- 
tinued extension of his Divine regard to us, throughout the sit- 
tings of this meeting ; clothing the minds of many with a solid, 
steady travail, for the welfare and stability of the church; and 
granting the evidence of his power and authority presiding 
over and amongst us. It seemed to confound the wisdom of 
the carnally wise, and to bring to naught all the plans which 
had been devised against the peace, order and government which 
have so long prevailed in our religious Society. I trust it will 
prove as food that shall be found again after many days; and 
as a stay to some who have been too easily tossed to and fro by 
the windy doctrines of men. 

Fifth month 3d. Our Quarterly Meeting for Ministers and 
Elders was held. In the meeting for business, E. Jordan was 
acceptably engaged, bearing a full and clear testimony to our 
blessed Saviour, both as to his Godhead and manhood. 

23d. Within the last two weeks, I felt a concern to attend 
all the meetings in the city, and though considerable discour- 
agement was in the way, I gave up to the prospect, and was 
enabled to get through to tolerable satisfaction. A greater 
now of strength and matter was afforded at some times than at 
others, and when the stream seemed low, it tended to humble 
and keep me low with it. The work under such dispensations, 
is more mortifying, though not the less salutary to the preacher 
as well as hearer, provided we are steadily kept under Divine 
guidance. I hope it was the case in a good degree, and I at 
least derived some instruction in the course of the visit, in which 
there seemed to be some enlargement of the gift. 

My brother Thomas being absent, in company with Isaac 
Stevenson, on his religious visit to this country, in one of 
the letters which passed between us, was the following para- 
graph, which I wish to preserve; as it contains an exercise I 
have sometimes felt for the preservation of my brothers and 
sisters, and our right improvement of the talents and favors 
that have been dispensed to us: 



1824.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 89 

" I have been often led to reflect upon the many favors which 
have been conferred upon our family by a merciful and benefi- 
cent Creator. Although temporal riches have not fallen to 
our trust, yet a plentiful supply of the necessaries and com- 
forts of life has been within our reach ; and while these have 
been thus bestowed for our own accommodation, we have also 
possessed the means to fulfil the duties of social life, and to 
contribute to meliorate the distressed condition of others. 
But above all these, are to be acknowledged the gifts of the 
Holy Spirit. Our parents being visited in early life by the Day- 
Spring from on high, and with sincerity of heart faithfully yield- 
ing to these visitations, were entrusted with precious gifts ; not 
only designed for their blessing, but fitting them for exemplary 
usefulness in the church of Christ. Through their faithfulness 
in bearing the cross, and suffering with the despised followers of 
the Lamb, they have obtained an honorable station in the 
church ; ruled well in their own family, and by their example 
and precepts, have placed a weight of religious obligation upon 
us, their children. Where much is given much will be required. 
He who has thus signally favored us with such valuable parents, 
as well as with spiritual gifts, will look for fruits in their season ; 
and if we are not found in the footsteps of Christ's companions, 
no natural connections, nor descent from virtuous parents, will 
remedy the defect, or be admitted as an excuse. It will be use- 
less to imagine that the faithfulness of dedicated parents, will 
preserve us from the evils that abound in the world, or shield 
us for neglect of the means put into our hands, from the just 
and awful inquisition for the use we have made of our Lord's 
goods. I often feel desirous we may lay these things deeply 
to heart ; that being convinced of the indispensable necessity 
of dedicating ourselves wholly to the Lord's service; and under 
the sense of our continued need of Divine preservation, we may 
in humility and reverence, implore Him from day to day, for 
fresh supplies of his Holy Spirit, to enable us to follow Him in 
the regeneration, and to fill with propriety whatever station He 
may design for us in his church. Being thoroughly washed and 
purged from every defilement, we should thus become living, 
experimental witnesses of the efficacy of his Grace; and pre- 
pared in truth to declare to others, what our eyes had seen and 
our hands had handled of the good Word of life. May we then, 
my dear bro her, not seeking to adorn ourselves in any manner 



90 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. [1824. 

with what has been dispensed for our stewardship, but in true 
humility of heart, seek the Lord's honor above everything else ; 
and then He will continue the blessing which rested upon the 
head of Joseph, unto the utmost bound of the everlasting 
hills." 

Sixth month 19th. At our last Monthly Meeting, I obtained 
a minute of its concurrence to attend the Yearly Meeting to be 
held in Ehode Island, and a few meetings in the neighborhood 
of Newport. On several accounts, the Yearly Meeting was a 
very exercising time. In that for worship, held on first-day, 
some disaffected persons interrupted the solemnity, with their 
unsavory and unauthorized communications. The reports indi- 
cated that love and unity, and the attendance of public worship, 
were at a low ebb in some places. Considerable counsel was 
extended by oar friends William Forster, Jr., and Isaac Steven- 
son, of England, and others; which appeared to be acceptable to 
many Friends, and in which I had some little share. But the 
want of feeling and clear discernment on the part of some others, 
was very affecting ; which with observations made by some per- 
sons, made several sittings, seasons of painful exercise and 
mourning. Friends are very generally opposed to the wild pre- 
tensions of these visionary, ranting spirits, and seem resolved to 
maintain the discipline and order of the Society over their 
heads. Many have suffered deeply by them, and I hope with a 
good degree of patience. Friends were encouraged to stand 
firm, and to treat with offenders in the restoring spirit of meek- 
ness ; waiting upon the Head of the Church, to feel their own 
incapacity for the work; that in the spirit of prayer and suppli- 
cation, they might apply to Him for Divine aid to labor success- 
fully for the help of their brethren ; and thereby raise a testimony 
in the hearts of the rebellious, that their restoration to the foot- 
steps of the flock, was the primary object of their concern. 

The business was finished on fifth-day evening, and after such 
occasions of suffering, it afforded comfort to be favored with a 
peaceful satisfactory close ; our dear friend, William Forster, 
Jr., being engaged in fervent supplication for the different 
classes ; that we might be concerned to fill up faithfully the 
various measures of assigned duty; experiencing strength and 
preservation in our different allotments, however distantly 
separated from each other. Friends manifested much kindness, 
particularly our much valued and attentive hostess, Abigail 



1824.] journal or william evans. 91 

Robinson, at whose house, my brother Joseph Ehoads and my- 
self, were very agreeably accommodated. 

Having a meeting appointed on Canonicut Island, where a 
few Friends reside, we went over on sixth-day morning, and at- 
tended it. Being the first I had held of that description, it was 
felt to be a serious matter for me; but believing the only ground 
on which we can safely move, is that of simple obedience, I was 
preserved in calmness and dedication to the Lord's will; wherein 
I was enabled to discharge myself of what appeared to be 
opened for the people; and as I was a child in the work, He who 
knows how to lead forth his children, dealt with me according 
to my capacity; neither trusting me with great things, nor fail- 
ing to afford the consolation of peaceful tranquility throughout 
the day. The Friends there appeared to be satisfied. 

We attended the Western Meeting at South. Kingston on first- 
day ; the Monthly Meeting at Tower Hill on second-day, and on 
third and fourth-days, had appointed meetings at Richmond and 
Hopkinton. The last was a favored time, in which the love and 
life of the Gospel were felt, and flowed freely towards the 
people; it was quite unexpected to me to be thus favored in the 
close, but it seemed to be granted as an encouragement to future 
dedication to the Master's will. The people were much ten- 
dered, and an elderly man, who I supposed, was not a member, 
said it was the doctrine he had believed for forty years. 

Ninth month 5th. My dear mother having been much con- 
fined with sickness during the last seven months, so far re- 
covered, as to be able to attend our meeting a few times in the 
past four weeks. This morning she was engaged to declare that 
our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, by 
whom- alone our salvation is to be effected. She said "She was 
never before so fully prepared to bear testimony to the excellency, 
the wisdom, and the blessedness of the Gospel plan: that Christ 
was the way, she was bold to declare, and that it was a precious 
thing to have faith in Him." Speaking of the hope of the true 
believer, she observed, that at a time when she apprehended 
herself on the confines of the grave, " I said, what a blessed 
hope ! and any other hope of salvation than by and through 
the mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, will prove 
like the hope of the hypocrite, that shall perish When brought 
to such a crisis as this, having experienced our own wills, lusts 
and affections, reduced by the operation of his grace — that grace 



1)2 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1824 



which came by Jesus Christ — and nailed to the cross, in some 
little degree comparable to his body being nailed to the out- 
ward cross, in which we might say, if this cup may not pass 
from me, not my will but thine be done, then are we prepared 
to acknowledge that it is not by anything we have done, but 
all of the mercy of G-od ; not by works of righteousness which 
we have done, but according to his mercy He saveth us ; by the 
washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." 
Such a testimony to the G-ospel of salvation ; and the entire 
uselessness of man's righteousness, which he performs in his 
own time and strength, delivered by one who seemed to be raised 
from the dead, I thought was worth preserving. It shows the 
continued goodness of the Heavenly Parent, in authorizing 
his servants to publish the glad tidings of peace through his 
well beloved Son, even to a rebellious and gainsaying people, 
whether they hear or forbear. 

After the decease of my dear wife, I continued unmarried be- 
tween nine and ten years; during which I passed through many 
dispensations, designed, I trust, to promote my growth in the 
work of salvation, and prepare me for the service to which the 
Lord would call me in his church At one time when my mind 
was under deep plunges, and with little sense of the Lord's 
presence and supporting power, our friend, Elizabeth Bobson, 
came to our meeting at Pine street ; and as I sat under such 
feelings stripped of all good, I said in my heart, if she would 
rise and utter the expressions of our blessed Saviour to Peter, 
it would be a convincing confirmation that I was not entirely 
forsaken. Soon after the thought had passed through my mind, 
she rose and began with these words, " Simon behold, Satan hath 
desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat, but I have 
prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." It was very striking 
tome, and tendered my spirit, reviving my faith and dissipating 
those fears with which I had been assailed. It seemed an evi- 
dence of the reality of the communion of exercised spirits, still 
continued in the church of Christ. 

My thoughts having been drawn towards my beloved friend 
Elizabeth Barton, a minister, daughter of John and Eebecca 
Barton, with a view of proposing our marriage, the prospect 
of entering again into the marriage covenant, was not less 
serious than in the former union ; and brought me into strong 
desire to do nothing but what was according to. the Lord's 



1825.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 93 

will ; often looking to Him for evidence of the propriety of 
such a movement ; which I believe was also her sincere con- 
cern. 

My dear friend having a religions draft to attend Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting, she was accompanied to it, in the Tenth month, 
by our valued Friends, Josiah and Elizabeth Reeve, who were 
like parents in the Truth to both of us. The Lord equipped 
and anointed her for the work she was engaged in, much to 
the satisfaction of Friends there, and to her beloved companions. 
Our marriage was accomplished after her return from this visit, 
at Newtown, IS". J., on the twenty-third day of the Twelfth month, 
1824 ; at which time we were favored with a solid satisfactory 
meeting, under a sense of the owning presence of our blessed 
Lord and Master. 

1825, Fourth month 18th. Our Yearly Meeting began on 
this day. The epistles from the different Yearly Meetings were 
read, to the conrfortTand strength of the meeting. 

A proposal that "AH important appointments should be 
made for a limited time," was introduced to the Yearly Meeting 
by the report of one of the Quarterly Meetings. It was a 
favorite scheme with the followers of Elias Hicks. The oppo- 
sition made to his principles by the Elders of Philadelphia, 
having been the beginning of difficulty to him in spreading his 
unsound notions, by rousing up many in the Society to examine 
and to reject them, as subversive of the fundamental doctrines of 
Christianity, and the peace and discipline of our Society, he 
had expressed at different times, his repugnance to Meetings of 
Ministers and Elders, and the Meeting for Sufferings ; saying 
they were blocks in his way and must be removed. Consider- 
able discussion followed the opening of it to the meeting. The 
friends of Elias Hicks labored hard to induce the meeting to 
take hold of the proposition; but after much time spent on it, 
a minute was made, that way did not open to take any such 
step. 

It was very obvious that the design of introducing this subject, 
was to pave the way for the formation of such a Meeting for 
Sufferings, as would publish and spread these antichristian sen- 
timents ; and to remove all elders who had or should discounten- 
ance E. Hicks, and other ministers who held his opinions. 
Ministers who preached the doctrines of the JSTow Testament, 
would be subji cted to the same treatment. The plea that such 



94 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1825. 

had " become burdensome," advanced by one of them during 
the discussion, and, in their estimation, had lost their gifts, 
would be sufficient to remove them. Unsound principles might 
thus be propagated with impunity, and libertinism and ranter- 
ism would, in places, overrun the Society. Thus the beautiful 
and excellent order, which the Head of the church has insti- 
tuted in our Eeligious Society, and the hedge erected as a de- 
fence upon the glory, might be destroyed ; and the members 
become a prey to the wild schemes and imaginations of every 
ambitious pretender to superior light. 

Much concern was felt by many Friends, respecting this 
Yearly Meeting. Although we were not favored at all times, 
with such a covering of solemnity as we might desire, those 
restless people, notwithstanding their exertions to support their 
own plans, were entirely defeated ; they did not gain a single 
point; and Friends rejoiced in a sense of the preservation still 
extended to us in this large annual assembly, by our holy Head 
and High Priest. 

Fifth month 25th. At our Monthly Meeting, held this day, 
a Friend opened a concern with which his mind had been long 
impressed, respecting the spreading of unsound principles 
amongst the members, by various means. He thought it his 
place to open the subject, that we might consider whether it was 
the duty of the meeting to adopt any measures to guard the 
members against their pernicious tendency.* Several spoke in 
favor of something being done to warn the members of the 
dangerous opinions. Nothing, however, was agreed to be done 
at present; yet the opening and spreading of the subject before 
the meeting, showed that Friends were alive to the dangerous 
tendency of the sentiments of E. Hicks, and it will gradually 
prepare for decisive measures in due time. 

Eighth month 1st. Our Quarterly Meeting was a time of 
debate, on the case of a substantial elder whom the Green Street 
Meeting had attempted to displace, under the plea that he was 
out of the unity, on account of his joining with the sound elders 
among us, in declaring their disunity with Elias Hicks. Some 
tried to dismiss the case from the notice of the Quarterly Meet- 
ing, but not succeeding, it was referred to the next meeting. 

Tenth month 25th. I attended the Northern District Month- 
ly Meeting, where we had the company of Elizabeth Robson, 



1826] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 95 

from England. Her labors in the first meeting, and in the 
men's Monthly Meeting, I thought were well adapted. 

26th. E. Eobson was with us at our Monthly Meeting very 
satisfactorily, and appeared to have a just sense of the states 
of many. 

1826, First month 25th. Having had my mind drawn at dif- 
ferent times to visit the meetings in the country, belonging to 
our Quarterly Meeting, I mentioned it to the Monthly Meeting- 
informing that as Radnor Monthly Meeting was within a con- 
venient distance, I had attended the meetings composing it, 
except one ; but although the discipline gave me liberty, 1 did 
not feel easy to visit the others, without the consent of the 
Monthly Meeting; being little known among them as a minis- 
ter. The experienced and weighty part expressed their unity, 
and approbation of granting me a minute. But those dissatis- 
fied members objected to a minute being given, yet some were 
willing I should go without one ; and persisting in their oppo- 
sition, it was not minuted, and I informed Friends that I should 
not be easy to attend to the concern without its concurrence, 
expressed in writing ; the prosecution of it will, of course, be de- 
ferred. Suffering for well-doing will be of use to those who 
rightly endure it, in a true Christian spirit. I desire to be fav- 
ored with this, and to manifest the fruits of it towards others, 
even my inconsiderate opponents. 

Second month 6th. Being convinced that the principles of 
infidelity have taken root in some members of our religious 
Society, and that it is much to be attributed to an unauthorized 
ministry, as the subject rested with weight upon my mind, I 
was induced to open it in our Select Quarterly Meeting, on the 
4th, I expressed my fears that there were those among us, 
who, with or without design, were giving encouragement to the 
growth of these principles. The practice of dwelling particu- 
larly on passages of Holy Scripture, which relate to the man- 
hood of the Lord Jesus, and in clipping others, in which his 
Divinity is set forth, tended to inculcate those sentiments of 
unbelief, and settle the young people in a disposition to slight 
some of the fundamental principles of Christianity. They were 
quick in discerning those departures, which have an injurious 
tendency. I had been told by one person that he did not see 
how the sufferings and death of Christ could affect his salvation. 
This was one evidence of the effect of these unsound opinions; and 



96 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1826. 

it was also said, "We are not bound to believe what we cannot 
understand." While some were holding up the doctrine of, Christ 
in us the hope of glory, which is a true, sound, gospel doctrine, 
they were detracting from the high and holy character of the 
Lord Jesus ; in striving to weaken or destroy the faith of the 
people in his sufferings in the prepared body, as of no avail in 
the salvation of mankind. Friends were warned against this 
desolating spirit; that however some might be soaring above 
others, and drawing persons to them, the time would come when 
all would be brought down, as into the valley of Jehosophat ; 
where the Lord would plead with all flesh, and show some the 
awfulness of endeavoring to lessen and detract from the charac- 
ter and offices of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Fourth month 15th. This morning the Yearly Meeting of 
Ministers and Elders commenced. Eichard Jordan bore testi- 
mony to the Divine origin and excellency of the Holy Scrip- 
tures. He expressed his thankfulness that Divine Goodness had 
influenced his prophets, and messengers and apostles to record 
the creation of the visible world, and his dealings with man 
from the beginning;. That the outward creation was analo- 
gous to the spiritual ; so that even the apostle declared that it 
displayed the invisible power of the Creator; and the experi- 
ences of the righteous corroborated each other; and under the 
Divine influence, they owned the testimonies of the Holy Spirit 
which had gone before. He repeated the first verse of the 
Epistle to the Hebrews, and particularly dwelt on the value of 
the record, that God had, in the last days, spoken unto us by 
his Son, whom He had appointed heir of all things. 

Elizabeth Eobson followed him in testimony to the promise 
of the Messiah, at the fall of Adam; renewal of that promise to 
Abraham ; the prophecy of it by Jacob respecting Judah; and 
the more minute description of the character of the Eedeemer 
by the succeeding prophets. She showed the fulfilment of those 
prophecies in Jesus Christ; his rejection and contemptuous 
treatment by the Jews, and their final assent to his crucifixion. 
That He thus bore our sins, as the great propitiatory sacrifice, 
without the gates of Jerusalem; and that it was the gospel 
commission to the apostles, and to every true minister of Christ 
down to this day, that repentance and remission of sins should 
be preached in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. She closed 
her communication with expressions of great sympathy with a 



1826.] JOURNAL OF VffLLIAM EVANS. 97 

tried remnant among us, and the firm belief that these, as they 
kept on the immutable foundation, would be preserved ; that a 
poor despised remnant would be raised up in our Society, who 
should stand for the honor of the great Name ; and that to these 
the Lord would be for a crown of glory and a diadem of 
beauty. 

16th. This morning, first-day, we had the company of our 
friend, E. Robson, at our meeting. She bore a plain testimony 
to the Eedeemer and Saviour of men ; and expressed her sense of 
those present, who were endeavoring to fence themselves in a 
confidence in themselves, and were resisting the knockings of 
Christ, to gain an entrance in their hearts; and she pressed the 
necessity of yielding thereto, as time was fast spending, and it 
was a gift to be accounted for. John Parker followed in a short, 
lively testimony ; and she concluded the meeting with solemn 
and affecting supplication, both for those who were thus hard- 
ening themselves against the reproofs of the Spirit of Christ, 
and for those who counted nothing too dear to part with for his 
name's sake. 

17th. Soon after the opening of the Yearly Meeting, Eichard 
Jordan spoke on the different sounds there are in the world; and 
whether of pipe or harp, it was necessary we should have our 
spiritual senses exercised to distinguish between them. If the 
trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself 
for the battle ? He showed the difference between the first and 
second Adam; the first was of the earthy earthy; the second the 
Lord from heaven ; the first was made a living soul, the second 
was the quickening Spirit. It was by the latter, the soul was made 
alive, and without it, it would be in a state of spiritual death. He 
bore testimony to the blessedness of having the Holy Scriptures ; 
and mentioned the expressions of Peter, respecting Paul's writings, 
which, he said, the ignorant and unlearned wrested, as they did 
the other Scriptures. That man, by all his powers, was unable 
to comprehend spiritual things. He must be renewedly quick- 
ened, taught in the school of Christ; or in his ignorance going 
about to unravel the mysteries of the Gospel, he would involve 
himself in perplexity. This was the sentiment of the Society, 
in the beginning. They set out with no new mystery, but 
owned the doctrines of the Gospel, as they were promulgated 
by our Lord and his apostles, &c. 

18th. This morning the attention of the meeting was princi- 



98 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1826. 

pally occupied with the subject of the slave trade; and besides 
a minute expressive of the unity of the meeting with the pro- 
ceedings of the Meeting for Sufferings, prepared yesterday and 
read this morning, it was agreed the clerk should prepare an- 
other, descriptive of the concern of the Yearly Meeting, as 
evinced this morning; and referring to the particular care of 
the Meeting for Sufferings, the subject of the slave trade, foreign 
and domestic. 

The Queries were taken up in the afternoon, and proceeded 
in as far as the fourth and fifth. 

Feeling my own mind brought under some religious concern, 
I observed that I believed there was no religious Society, that 
had a more just estimate of the character and value of the 
Scriptures than the Society of Friends. That although we did 
not call them the Word of G-od, because that title belonged to 
our Lord Jesus Christ, yet we believed that holy men of God 
wrote and spoke them as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; 
and the more we were under the influence and government of 
that Grace and Truth, which came and comes by Jesus Christ, 
the more we should value them. I stated, as an evidence of the 
high estimate set upon them by our Society, that we had a rule 
of discipline, that any one denying the Divine authority of 
the Holy Scriptures, was subject to disownment, if he could not 
be brought to acknowledge his error. By the Query which we 
had just heard, this meeting indirectly advises its members to 
be in the practice of frequently reading them. This, I stated, 
was conclusive proof that Friends set a high value upon them; 
and warned some against calling them a dead letter, having no 
life in them. The more we were under the influence of Divine 
life in ourselves, the more comfort and strength we should find 
in reading them. To these the experiences of the holy ancients 
were peculiarly valuable. They are profitable for doctrine, for 
reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, that 
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto 
all good works; being able to make wise unto salvation, through 
faith which is in Christ Jesus. In proportion to the various 
means dispensed in inscrutable wisdom and unmerited mercy, 
for our aid ir the work of salvation through the Holy Spirit, 
would be our responsibility ; and at some period, an awful ac- 
count must be rendered for the use of them. 

The meeting was very quiet and attentive ; and a Friend fol- 



1826.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 99 

lowed and confirmed what I had said as correct; and added, that 
the Society had always held them as a test of their doctrines, and 
expected Friends to be in the practice of frequently reading 
them in their families. 

21st. The remaining business was attended to on the 19th, 
20th, and this day. Upon the whole, the meeting was pre- 
served in much quiet throughout its sittings; but notwithstand- 
ing we had cause to believe that Divine mercy was roundabout; 
still keeping us from anarchy and confusion ; there was a con- 
stant painful sense of a dark spirit, secretly at work in many, 
that was waiting and watching to lay waste the heritage. This 
was like a heavy load upon the upright, sincerely devoted ser- 
vants of Christ, and seemed to hinder the power of Divine 
life from rising into that dominion which we have sometimes 
known it to do. 

28th. In our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, 
held this morning, much pertinent advice and encouragement 
were communicated. Elders were particularly exhorted to 
faithfulness in the discharge of their duties towards ministers ; 
and sympathy with such as had faithfully kept their ground 
against wrong things, and had heavy burdens to bear, was freely 
expressed. 

Fifth month 1st. We have had the most solid Quarterly 
Meeting this day, that has been held here in the last eighteen 
months. Elizabeth Eobson came into the men's meeting, and 
had very weighty and pertinent service. She mentioned the 
instance of David going to see his brethren, that he might know 
how they fared, and how the battle went; and when his motive 
was questioned, he asked, "Is there not a cause?" He did not 
go forth in Saul's armor, but chose smooth stones out of the 
brook ; and with a simple sling smote the giant, and cut off his 
head with his own sword, and a great deliverance was wrought 
for Israel, through the faithfulness of a single individual. Not- 
withstanding the king's decree, Daniel failed not to offer his 
prayers three times a day, with his windows open, as he had 
been wont to do ; and thus bore a public and faithful testimony of 
his allegiance to the true God. She said it was time for some who 
have too much secluded themselves, to show on whose side they 
are. The mouths of the lions were stopped, and an acknow- 
ledgment extorted from the king, by whose decree he had been 
put into the den, that Daniel's God was the living God, and 



100 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1826. 

able to deliver those who trust in Him. "When the three chil- 
dren were cast into the furnace, which was heated seven times 
hotter than it was wont to be heated, they walked in the midst 
of it unhurt, because the Son of G-od was with them; and nut 
even the smell of fire was perceptible on their garments. But 
those who cast them in were slain by the fire. This she applied, 
in a striking manner, to those who were endeavoring to destroy 
the true seed. She then appeared in very solemn supplication, 
much to the comfort and strength of many Friends. 

Sixth month 8th. On the 26th of last month, I left home to 
attend New York Yearly Meeting, with a minute of the 
Southern District Monthly Meeting. It was throughout a try- 
ing occasion; a spirit of opposition in many to sound Friends, 
and to some of the principles of the Christian religion, as held 
by the Society from its rise, was a constant burden upon the 
rightly exercised members. This was increased from time to 
time, by opinions of a disorganizing tendency, which were 
avowed by some, who seemed determined to destroy all regard 
to doctrines and principles, as wholly unimportant ; and to dis- 
solve the bands of Society, by denying the accountability of the 
members, for the opinions which they held and expressed. As 
it might be expected, persons of little or no religious weight 
and feeling, manifested no restraint, in taking an undue part in 
the discussions of the meeting, and were very ready and impor- 
tunate to have their views adopted. A solid judgment, conclu- 
ded under the solemnizing presence of the Head of the church, 
was rarely witnessed throughout the meeting. The original 
ground on which the decisions of the Society heretofore stood — . 
a prevailing conviction that the Truth led into the measure — ap- 
peared to be lost sight of by many ; and a majority of voices 
regarded as the governing authority ; without any discrimina- 
tion of age, experience, soundness of judgment, or clearness of 
discerning. 



1826.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 101 

CHAPTEE V. 

1826—1833. 

Progress and Effects of Unsound Opinions — Death of R. Jordan — Charge 
against E. Hicks forwarded by Southern District Monthly Meeting — Yearly 
Meeting of 1827 — Separation from the Society of Friends — Incidents in 
some of the Meetings — Abington Quarter — Conference held at Mount 
Pleasant— Ohio Yearly Meeting of 1828— Visit to North Carolina— North 
Carolina Yearly Meeting — Visits within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting — 
Visit within New England Yearly Meeting. 

1826, Eighth month 20th. The state of things among us is 
rapidly assuming a very dark and gloomy cast. Unless a blast is 
brought upon this disorganizing spirit, it would seem that 
great devastation will be made in the Society. Our meetings 
for Divine worship are, at times, almost destitute of the sensible 
presence of our holy Head and High Priest, which tenders and 
humbles the minds of Friends, and qualifies for the performance 
of that solemn duty. The streams of gosj)el ministry are nearly 
stopped, and the ministers are clothed with mourning, at the 
great change. But we are not without faith and hope, that the 
Lord is secretly at work, to make way for his truth and power, 
to rise again into dominion ; when He will confound this exalted 
spirit, and bring some of those who are troubling Israel, down 
as into the valley of Jehoshaphat, where He will plead with them 
in a very awful manner. Great will be their confusion at that 
day ; and many, I believe, will look back with astonishment at 
the delusion with which they and others have been overtaken. 

Ninth month 16th. On the 13th, in company with my wife, 
I attended Haddonfield Select Quarterly Meeting. It was 
a low, distressing time. The benumbing effects of the love of 
the world upon very many, makes our assemblies seasons of 
laborious, discouraging exercise ; in which apprehensions come 
over the mind, that we are in danger of having the candlestick 
removed out of its place, and becoming a forsaken people. 
These sensations were experienced in both meetings. 

At the Meeting for Sufferings held yesterday, several minutes 
of new appointments by different Quarterly Meetings were re- 
ceived. One from the Southern Quarter stated, that a commit- 
8 



102 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1826. 

tee had been appointed to consider the revision of their 
representation in this Meeting; and reported, as their sense, 
that it would be proper to release all their representatives, ex- 
cepting one. As the case was new, several Friends expressed 
doubts of the propriety of such a measure : frequent changes in 
the appointment might be followed by injurious consequences ; 
and to make it, involved a principle which the Yearly Meeting 
only could settle ; and it was proposed to appoint a committee 
on the subject. A few Friends were accordingly verbally ap- 
pointed to attend to it. 

Eleventh month. On the 14th of last month, our belov- 
ed and honored friend, Richard Jordan, was released from 
the trials attendant upon this earthly scene, after a sickness of 
about eight weeks. Without much apparent suffering, the 
worn-out system gave way to the force of disease, and the spirit 
that longed to depart and be with Christ, his Saviour and Re- 
deemer, was permitted to take its flight to those blissful regions, 
"Where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at 
rest." He gave ample testimony, in his illness, of the firmness 
of his faith in Christ ; through whose grace and merits, he said, 
he hoped for salvation. This was the faith he had lived in, and 
the faith he should die in. 

Great quiet and solemnity prevailed at the time of his burial ; 
and after the interment, Friends convening in the meeting- 
house, a very satisfactory meeting was held ; in which our dear 
friend, Ann Jones of England, bore testimony to the faithful- 
ness of the deceased, in discharging his duties to the righteous 
and the unrighteous, as one who must give account of the souls 
committed to his care; saying, she believed he had received the 
crown of an apostle. 

He was a very judicious, nursing father to inexperienced, de- 
voted children ; equally careful to guard them against prema- 
ture fruit, as well as to hand suitable encouragement in due 
season, when they were ready to sink. 

On the 4th of this month, was held our Quarterly Meeting 
of Ministers and Elders, which was in the main a comfortable 
meeting. Our friends, G. and A. Jones, of England, and E. 
Robson, who had just returned from Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
were with us, and had acceptable service. 

On the 6th, the Quarterly Meeting was held ; it was unusually 
large, many young men being present who showed their interest 



1827.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 103 

in the preservation of order, and the principles of the Society, 
by supporting the elder Friends in such measures as they be- 
lieved it right to adopt, for the maintenance of the discipline. 

The Quarterly Meeting of Bucks was held at Middletown, on 
the 29th and 30th of this month, which I attended, and was 
glad to have the opportunity for the company of our friends, 
George and Ann Jones. Several other Friends were there from 
neighboring meetings. 

On sixth-day morning we took breakfast at Sarah Comfort's, 
whose valuable husband had lately deceased. We then pro- 
ceeded to Byberry, and attended a meeting there, appointed by 
G-. and A. Jones. The latter was there led in a way much in op- 
position to those who cry peace, when there is none. Death had 
come up into their houses ; and those who had been teaching the 
children rebellion, would, she believed, experience the sad con- 
sequences of it in their own families. Near the close of the 
meeting, I spoke on the awful and responsible situation of those 
who were promoting a disbelief in Jesus Christ as the Saviour 
of men ; that the effects of the spirit of unbelief were to be 
seen and felt. All restraint would be much removed ; and it was 
evidently the case with the young people in that part of the 
country. It lay as a burden upon me, which I was unwilling to 
bring away with me. 

Twelfth month. Being one of the Committee having charge 
of the Boarding School at Westtown, I left the city on the 9th 
of this month, on an appointment to visit the schools, and was 
absent till the 13th. 

At the adjournment of our Monthly Meeting of this month, 
my father called the attention of Friends to the disorder at a 
late meeting, attended by Elias Hicks, and the unsound princi- 
ples advanced in it by him ; and after some opposition to it, 
made by seven of his adherents, the meeting made a minute, 
stating that the disorder which occurred in this house on the 
11th, and those unsound principles and sentiments therein ad- 
vanced by E. Hicks, being weightily brought into view, five per- 
sons were appointed to investigate the subject and report thereon. 

1827, First month 24th. The above committee produced to 
the Monthly Meeting a full report; in which they exhibit some 
of the prominent features of the disorder, and the very excep- 
tionable doctrines delivered by E. Hicks; closing with the ex- 
pression of their concern on account of the propagation of such 



104 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1827. 

poisonous sentiments ; and also that some of his adherents may 
be snatched as brands from the burning. A copy of this 
report was directed to be forwarded to Jericho Monthly Meet- 
ing, of which E. Hicks is a member; with which women 
Friends concurred. 

Second month 3d. To-day we have had a very exercising 
Select Quarterly Meeting. In the forepart, a comfortable evi- 
dence was felt, that condescending mercy and goodness were 
round about us ; strengthening the faith of the Lord's children 
in his Divine power, and affording the consoling conviction, that 
He will defend and preserve his church, as its confidence is main- 
tained in Him alone, and in due time will scatter his enemies, 
and grant a peaceful release from the trials with which it is 
now assailed. 

On reading the answers to the second query, my father hinted 
at the difficulty of admitting the correctness of the reply to it 
from one of the Preparative Meetings, which asserted the sound- 
ness of its ministry; but of the reverse of which we had had 
sufficient evidence. In his remarks, he adverted to attempts now 
made to spread the belief that Jesus Christ our Saviour was no 
more than a man, or one of us. A member of the meeting al- 
luded to replied to him, as if he felt the allusion applied to him- 
self; and in his remarks, stated there was but one Saviour, and 
that was God ; and making allusions to declarations of George Fox 
and William Penn, attempted to infer that those who preached 
" Christ crucified," as the Saviour, were they who made the 
Saviour a mere man. He declared that Christ was sent to the 
Jews only ; that He was an external Saviour. He was no Trini- 
tarian, nor Satisfactionist ; by which it was understood he did not 
receive the Scripture doctrine of the Three that bear record in 
heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit ; nor believe 
in the propitiatory offering of the Lord Jesus, by which we 
have remission of sins, and perfect sanctification, through re- 
pentance and obedience to his Holy Spirit. 

5th. Some opposition was made in the Quarterly Meeting 
for discipline, to the summary answers to the third Query; which 
contained expressions of belief, that pernicious publications sup- 
porting unsound doctrine, were tolerated amongst some, to the 
grief and concern of many Friends; but the meeting retained it, 
to go up to the Yearly Meeting. 

The Committee appointed to visit the Monthly Meetings re- 



1827.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 105 

ported attention to the service, and that they had evidence the 
appointment originated in best wisdom. Several of the dis- 
affected strove to get the committee discharged, but the meet- 
ing continued it. 

One of the Green Street elders proposed that a committee 
should be appointed to consult with that meeting, so that they 
might be joined to Abington Quarter. This was one of the pre- 
liminary steps to the breaking up of our Quarterly and Monthly 
Meetings, and the division of the Yearly Meeting. 2nTo notice 
was taken of it. 

10th. This afternoon I drove George and Ann Jones, with C. 
W. Morris, to my brother-in-law's, Joseph Ehoads. Next day, 
first-day, we attended Springfield Meeting, and being met there 
by Charles Allen, he accompanied them to Abraham Sharp- 
less' in the afternoon. 

12th. My wife and myself went to Concord, and attend- 
ed the Select Quarterly Meeting there; a distressing time; 
in which it was evident to me, that some were desirous 
of persuading themselves, that not as much disunity and un- 
soundness of principle had crept in, as some others im- 
agined. 

There is great want of a lively zeal in some, and an honest 
faithful discharge of duty, against the insidious approaches of 
the spirit of unbelief; which is watching to ensnare the unwary, 
and will commit great ravages in the flock, unless the watchmen 
who are placed upon the walls, are awake to the surrounding 
dangers, and timely give the alarm. 

13th. In the course of reading the queries and answers in 
the Meeting for Discipline, I believed it proper to call the atten- 
tion of Friends to the contrast between the answers to the 
second and third queries — the former very full and the latter 
much the reverse. That while much love and unity were pro- 
fessed, it was plain great deficiency existed in the education of 
children. I adverted to the advice of the Yearly Meeting to 
parents, to practise their children in the frequent reading of the 
Holy Scriptures, and to instruct them in the doctrines of the 
Christian religion, which they inculcate: viz., the miraculous 
conception, birth, holy life, sufferings, meritorious death, glori- 
ous resurrection, ascensiou and mediation of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ ; as well as in the belief of the immediate 
influences of the Holy Spirit. But there were pamphlets in 



106 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 1827. 

circulation amongst us, which tended to lay waste a belief in 
many of these Christian doctrines; one of which, was issued 
within the precincts of that Quarter; which I considered one of 
the most pernicious books in circulation; tending to destroy all 
reverence for our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered without the 
gates of Jerusalem, as the Saviour of men ; to destroy the 
authenticity and authority of the Holy Scriptures; and to 
spread the seeds of infidelity ; and I believed it my duty to bear 
a testimony against it. 

Fourth month 14th. Our Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders convened this morning ; in which we had the very ac- 
ceptable company of our beloved friends George and Ann Jones 
and E. Eobson. On reading the summary reply to the second 
query, and the judgment of the Quarterly Meeting by which it 
was sent up, that an unsound ministry existed within its bor- 
ders, some of the disaffected members, earnestly contended 
that it should be expunged ; but the proposition was rejected, 
and the answer retained. William Jackson opened his views, 
and queried whether there was nothing further for the meeting 
to do ; expressing his belief that it should go further, either by 
epistolary advice, or by appointing a committee to visit the con- 
stituent meetings, to afford them help. After a time of deliber- 
ation, it was concluded to appoint a committee, which was 
done. 

16th. The morning meeting for business was passed with 
little interruption. E. Eobson paid us a very acceptable visit. 
The representatives convening at the rise of the meeting, one 
of them proposed that John Comly should be reported for clerk; 
another that Samuel Bettle should be reported to be continued. 
One wished a Friend might come to the table and draw up a 
minute reporting John Comly, which, such as united with him, 
might sign. This was rejected. He then proposed that such as 
united with him should withdraw to another part of the house, 
and prepare a report ; which he endeavored to effect by leaving 
his seat and walking towards the aisle; a few rose to follow, 
but others protesting against it, they took their seats again. 
Finding that they could not adopt any one to name to the meeting, 
the representatives pretty generally agreed, to authorize John 
Cox to inform the meeting they could not unite to report any 
name. We were detained until the meeting convened in the 
afternoon, and J. Cox made that report accordingly. Some 



1827.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 107 

asserted that they had not concluded on any report, and were 
to meet again next morning. Others had heard nothing of such 
adjournment; and it being evident we could not unite, it was 
eventually concluded to reappoint the old clerks, after much 
opposition by the followers of E. Hicks. J. Comly came to the 
table as assistant, with great reluctance; and the minutes of the 
Meeting for Sufferings were read, with very little remark by 
way of objection, to their proceedings ; their care on the sub- 
ject of slavery was approbated. 

17th. Early after the meeting opened, John Comly rose and 
remarked, that he had come to the table in condescension to 
the request of a few Friends; that this Yearly Meeting was 
divided into two distinct parties, which were irreconcilable, and 
unity was destroyed. We had a query whether love and unity 
were preserved among us. He thought it was needful to have 
it restored, and therefore proposed that the meeting should be 
adjourned. The query is also asked, When differences arise are 
endeavors used to end them? He thought if there were men of 
peace amongst us, it would be well for them, in the meantime, 
to exert themselves in removing those differences. He could 
not conscientiously act as the organ of such a body ; and there- 
fore, if the meeting decided not to adjourn, he wished to be per- 
mitted to withdraw from the table. This opened the way for 
his party to express themselves upon the state of the Society ; 
and some were accordingly prepared to dissolve the meeting. 
Sound Friends generally kept still, with the exception of a few, 
who thought the proceedings need not be delayed any time for 
want of J. Comly's services. When he discovered he could 
not effect his purpose of breaking up the meeting, he wished 
Friends to mind that he had not said dissolve, but adjourn; and 
as he had aj)prehended many Friends did not unite with his 
appointment, if it was now the general sense that he should re- 
main at the table, he would accordingly serve : thus he waived 
his conscientious scruples, though no increase of unity had 
been obtained. 

The usual concerns of the Yearly Meeting were transacted, 
and towards its close, information was sent in from women 
Friends, that they had before them a concern to appoint a com- 
mittee, if united with by men Friends, to visit the Monthly and 
Quarterly Meetings. Opposition was started by the disaffect- 
ed, as it would, in some measure, interfere with them ; but 



108 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1827. 

when the meeting was informed of their conferences and plans 
to create a separation, it stopped them. Friends more fully 
saw the need of sending down help to strengthen the hands of 
sound Friends, and aid in supporting their meetings. A com- 
mittee was accordingly appointed of hoth sexes. The Yearly 
Meeting adjourned to meet at the usual time next year, if con- 
sistent with the Divine will. 

Fifth month 5th. Our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders was held, and attended by the Committee appointed by 
the late Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. In reading 
the replies to the Queries, some pretty close remarks were made 
upon that to the second, from one of the Preparative Meet- 
ings ; and Friends there were encouraged to extend faithful, 
private labor. After finishing the Queries, E. Robson adverted 
to the poverty and weakness into which the Lord's children 
were introduced, and this was preparatory to being employed 
in his service ; that out of weakness, they might be made 
strong, and that his strength might be made perfect in their 
weakness. She believed some would have to partake of bitter 
cups ; and might be ready to conclude, at times, there was no 
way for them to get on ; but as they held fast their trust in the 
Lord, and were courageous, the hills would flow down at his 
presence. 

7th. We had a very quiet, satisfactory Quarterly Meeting. 
No report from Green Street being produced, one of their mem- 
bers appointed to inform the meeting of their disjunction from 
Philadelphia Quarter, laid a minute on the clerk's table. The 
committee appointed to visit the Monthly Meetings, made a 
detailed report of their proceedings. Some members of 
Green Street, addressed the Quarterly Meeting, stating their 
disunity with the acts of that meeting, and received the sym- 
pathy and encouragement of Friends, to abide steadfast, in a 
faithful adherence to the leadings of the Holy Spirit; that they 
may witness preservation, and advance in religious qualifica- 
tion to support the principles and discipline of our religious 
Society. The whole of the business was conducted with much 
unanimity and quiet ; so that it was evident the abstraction 
of the Green Street members, of a certain description, carried 
with them the noise and confusion which have agitated and 
distressed our Quarterly Meeting. 



1827.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 109 

20th. On second-day, the 14th, I attended Haddonfield 
Monthly Meeting, which ended comfortably. 

22d. I attended the Northern District Monthly Meeting. 
The minute of the Quarterly Meeting, stating it had concluded 
to lay down Green Street Monthly Meeting, and attach the 
members to this, was produced, and taken on record ; and a 
committee appointed to deliberate upon the steps proper to be 
pursued in relation thereto. 

23d. A private meeting having been held in a school-house, 
within the Southern District, made up of some of its members 
and. others, to devise means to obtain possession of part of the 
property of the Monthly Meeting, they prepared a paper on the 
subject ; and before going into our Monthly Meeting this morn- 
ing, some Friends were informed that it would be presented, 
and that the disaffected members had decided, that if it was 
rejected, to divide off to the other side of the meeting-room, and 
there hold a Monthly Meeting themselves. Many of our mem- 
bers, who had not been seen for years at our Monthly Meeting, 
assembled; and some from the country, and also some from 
other Meetings in the city; doubtless with design to swell their 
numbers in appearance, in case of the proposed division. After 
a passing on account of marriage, and reading some certificates, 
W. W. arose, and expressed his thankfulness whenever the 
meeting was covered with solemnity ; and his unwillingness to 
do anything that would disturb it ; but he believed, that in the 
disposition that breathed glory to God and good- will to men, 
we might discuss subjects, and not be excited. He had one to 
propose, and though it was rather new, he hoped it would not 
produce such effect. He then mentioned, that some of them 
believed it proper to propose, that a division of the property 
should be made ; so as to enable them to build a meeting-house; 
purchase the site, and provide the necessary accommodations. 
A paper had been prepared, which, he said, was signed by forty- 
five members, and approved by several others, who were not 
yet prepared to sign it ; he would hand it to the clerk. 

The paper was referred to six Friends, to examine and report 
to a future meeting. 

After this Monthly Meeting, it was ascertained that fourteen 
of our members had applied to Byberry Monthly Meeting, to 
be received as its members; which was acceded to; and that 
they appointed a committee of men and women to attend the 



110 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1827. 

opening of a meeting for worship in this city. This act of By- 
berry Monthly Meeting, is a violation of the discipline, and of 
the just right of the Southern District Montnly Meeting over 
its members. It is an invasion of the limits and jurisdiction of 
Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, and of its Monthly Meetings, 
to attempt thus to institute a meeting within the borders of 
any of those meetings. 

Sixth month 4th. ' This separating party held their Meeting 
of Conference, appointed in the Fourth month last. They is- 
sued an address to the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, within 
the compass of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting ; the design of 
which is to induce a separation from it, and to prevail with 
the Quarterly Meetings, to send deputies to an assemblage 
on the third second-day of the Tenth month next. It contains 
several unfounded accusations against the late Yearly Meeting. 

21st. At our Meeting for Sufferings, held at this time, the 
present state of our religious Society was brought into view by 
one of its members. He adverted to the meeting which the 
Hicksites had held, and some of the measures adopted to pro- 
duce a separation from the Society, and draw its members after 
them. After some time of deliberation on the affecting subject, 
a pretty large committee was appointed upon it, and the 
meeting adjourned for one month; very few of the Hicksites 
attended. 

Seventh month. At the Meeting for Sufferings, held in this 
month, an epistle was adopted, addressed to the members of our 
Yearly Meeting. The Committee on the present state of the 
Society was continued. 

Eighth month. A part of the members of Abington Quar- 
ter, separating from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, by appoint- 
ing a number of their party to attend, as their representatives, 
a meeting to be held in the Tenth month, under the name of 
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, the sound members decided to 
remain together, in order to hold Abington Quarter as a branch 
of the Yearly Meeting of Friends; and a number of men and 
women Friends, as I understood, accordingly stopped, but as it 
was late, they adjourned to the succeeding morning. When 
Friends met at the house, they found the doors secured, 
and a collection of persons on the ground, determined they 
should not enter the houso. Some of the elderly and infirm 
women were furnished with cushions to sit on the ground, 



1827.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. Ill 

while the rest stood, and remained about an hour. Ann Jones 
knelt on the ground, in supplication, supporting herself by a 
tree. Finding there was no probability of gaining entrance to 
the house, they drew up a statement of the circumstance ; to be 
recorded on the minutes, and adjourned, to meet at once, in 
Charles Shoemaker's mill. About one hundred men and one hun- 
dred and seventy-five women Friends convened in the mill. They 
appointed clerks for the day, made a detailed record of the dis- 
orderly proceedings of the Separatists, at Abington Quarterly 
Meeting; and appointed various committees to carry into effect 
concerns which engaged their attention. It was said to be a 
very affecting and tendering opportunity, much to the comfort 
and strength of Friends. 

In the Tenth month, the Separatists held what they termed 
Philadelphia Yearly fleeting, at the Green Street house; and 
concluded to hold it next year, on the second second-day in the 
Fourth month ; which would be in the week preceding the 
Yearly Meeting of Friends. Before our Yearly Meeting com- 
menced, the Meeting for Sufferings believed it right to prepare 
a statement of the separation ; the gradual progress of the 
Separatists, in some of our meetings, to obtain the ascendency; 
and the unsound doctrines preached and printed by some of 
them; which latter were contrasted with the doctrines of 
Friends on these points. This was united with, to be laid be- 
fore our Yearly Meeting of 1828, for its judgment; and if 
approved, to be signed by the clerk on its behalf. When read 
in the Yearly Meeting, our aged friend, "William Jackson, ex- 
pressed his thankfulness that there were those raised up and 
qualified to prepare such a document ; and it received the unity 
of the meeting, and was afterwards printed and largely distri- 
buted among Friends. 

The Yearly Meeting of Ohio, held in the autumn of 1827, 
having made a proposition to the other Yearly Meetings in this 
country, to appoint delegates, in order to hold a Conference on 
the state of our religious Society, our Yearly Meeting, held this 
spring, appointed a number of Friends to represent it in that 
body. I went in a carriage with our friends Thomas Stew- 
ardson and Samuel Bettle, and my father, to Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, 
to attend this Conference ; where we put up at the house of our 
beloved friend, Jonathan Taylor. Representatives from all the 
other Yearly Meetings, except ISTew York, were also in attend- 



112 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1828 to 

ance ; and in the course of the week, a Conference was held ; 
but all the Yearly Meetings not being represented, nothing de- 
finite was concluded upon. Opportunity was, however, given 
for an interchange of sentiments, and to judge of each other's 
views in relation to such a convention, and what might be its 
probable influence on the Society. 

The first sitting of the Ohio Yearly Meeting of 1828, was a 
very disturbed one. Friends adjourned to assemble next 
morning, at the usual hour. The Separatists met earlier, 
and took possession of the house, keeping Friends in the 
yard, where they held a meeting, standing. After a suitable 
time, they adjourned to the old house at Short Creek, rather 
less than half a mile distant. The weather being warm, the 
sash were taken out of some of the windows, and temporary 
seats were placed at each end, to accommodate the men and 
women who could not get into the house. The meeting was 
prolonged into the next week ; a time being fixed for the Con- 
ference to meet in Philadelphia, next year. As soon as we could 
leave, our company took carriage and returned to our homes. 

In 1829, representatives of all the Yearly Meetings of Friends 
in America, convened in Philadelphia, and drew up a document, 
on the doctrines and testimonies of Friends; which they de- 
nominated, " The Testimony of Friends in America." In the 
year 1830, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting declined repeating the 
appointment of delegates. Time has clearly showed that this 
decision was a right one. 

In the year 1829, and in the First month of 1830, I obtained 
minutes from the Monthly Meeting, and paid religious visits to 
the meetings of Haddonfield, Concord and the Western Quarters ; 
which I accomplished to my own satisfaction. 

On the 27th of Tenth month 1830, I obtained a certificate to 
attend North Carolina Yearly Meeting, and a few meetings be- 
longing to it, having Henry Cope as companion. We proceeded 
to Baltimore, and on sixth-day morning took steamboat for Nor- 
folk, where we arrived early on seventh-day. The blacks about 
the town, who, we were told, were mostly slaves, appeared 
cheerful. There was, however, a schooner lying in the stream, 
crowded with those poor creatures, intended for the New Or- 
leans market, to which they are exported from Virginia as an 
article of trade. It was an affecting spectacle, which would 
have aroused the commiseration of John Woolman and Anthony 



1830] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 113 

Benezet to a great degree. Such is their degraded state of 
mind, having been brought up as though they were brutes, and 
treated as if they had no souls, that at the distance we passed 
them, they appeared indifferent to what awaited them. 

We took the steamboat, going up the James river, and after 
landing, rode to Petersburg, where we were detained until next 
day, much to our disappointment. We then had difficulty in 
procuring our passage in the stage, because of many persons 
going to a horse race ; whose company was unpleasant, espe- 
cially, during the time we rode with them in the night. We 
were all the next day reaching Greensburg, and next morning 
got to a Friend's house at New Garden. As he had no car- 
riage to convey us to Deep river, he sent a boy to pilot us, and 
we walked to the meeting-house, about seven miles ; where we 
attended the Meeting of Ministers and Elders, and their first- 
day meeting, which was large. We lodged at Abel Coffin's, who 
conveyed us on second-day to New Garden, where the Yearly 
Meeting was held. Our lodging was about a mile from the 
meeting-house ; the Friends were kind and hospitable, and we 
had the agreeable company of Nathan Hunt, Jonathan Taylor 
from Ohio, and sometimes of Asenath Clark and her husband; 
Isaac Hammer was also a short time with us. 

The young people in attendance at this Yearly Meeting were 
very generally plain, and becoming in their deportment ; and as 
far as I could judge, not a few of the young men possessed re- 
ligious attainments, and are concerned for the promotion of the 
good cause, and the proper support of our testimonies and dis- 
cipline. The meeting sat daily about four hours; and every 
morning, except second-day, either the Meeting for Sufferings, 
or that of Ministers and Elders, convened at nine o'clock; which 
kept us pretty steadily in the meeting-house. 

Third-day was set apart for investigating the state of the sub- 
ordinate meetings. They had read all the reports, including the 
answers to the Queries, read on second-day ; and the clerks hav- 
ing prepared a summary, the partition shutters, between the men 
and women, were opened; so that both might hear each other's 
answers, and the observations made by men and women Friends 
on different subjects; and upon the whole it was a satisfactory 
time. They agreed to address an epistle to the Quarterly and 
Monthly Meetings, to incite the members to more faithfulness. 
The state of education within their limits being brought to view, 



114 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1830 to 

we took the liberty of proposing, that the Quarterly and 
Monthly Meetings should be instructed to send up, next year, 
explicit accounts of the number and description of schools 
within their respective districts ; which was adopted and ap- 
pended to the epistle. They were desired to state whether the 
teachers are members, and what proportion of the scholars are 
the children of Friends. We also endeavored to press the 
importance of home education ; the necessity of parents feeling 
and manifesting a religious interest in the improvement and 
preservation of their children, by taking frequent opportunities 
with them, in reading the Holy Scriptures and other religious 
works. Some notice of this branch of the concern was placed 
in the epistle ; advising retirement and silent waiting upon the 
Lord in their families. They were also urged to cultivate their 
minds by reading other useful books of a historical, descriptive, 
or scientific character. 

The Yearly Meeting closed on fifth-day after a long sitting. 
Next day we were conveyed to J. Stanley's, and attended the 
Select Western Quarterly Meeting, there. The Quarterly Meet- 
ing next day, was a larger company of Friends than we ex- 
pected to see. I felt peaceful in the part I had in it ; and in the 
second meeting, we encouraged the young men and others to 
faithfulness in their respective duties, so that they might be- 
come prepared to maintain the discipline and our testimonies. 
Next day we parted from our beloved friend Jonathan Taylor, 
with whom we had sojourned several days very agreeably ; and 
on first-day were at Springfield Meeting, where we lodged at N. 
Hunt's. Thence to Kennet, Hopewell and New Garden. 

After finishing what rested on my mind, we took stage at 
Greensburg, through the upper route to Fredericksburg, Wash- 
ington, Baltimore, &c, and reached our homes safely and with 
peace. 

[From this time until Ninth month 1835, no memoranda ap- 
pear to have been preserved. In Seventh month 1831, W. 
Evans obtained a minute from his Monthly Meeting, to visit the 
meetings belonging to Abington, Bucks, Burlington, and Shrews- 
bury and Eahway Quarterly Meetings; all within the limits of 
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. 

Tn Seventh month 1833, certificates were granted him to visit, 
as way might open, the meetings of Friends within the limits 



1833.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 115 

of New England Yearly Meeting, more particularly those con- 
stituting the Northern and Eastern Quarters. 

In this journey he had Joseph Snowdon as companion. From 
letters written to his family during his absence, the following 
extracts have been made :] 

Eighth month 21st, 1833. "Beached the house of our friend 
Estes Newhall, at Lynn. Attended the meeting here. Went 
to Salem next morning ; the meeting small. A qualification 
was furnished to open a little the spirituality of the Gospel 
dispensation ; and to invite to an investigation how far we, who 
are making a high profession of it, are living under it, and ex- 
periencing its redeeming and sanctifying efficacy. The oppor- 
tunity was serious, and satisfactory to myself. 

28th. "I wrote thee from Berwick, just before we went to 
their meeting ; which we attended in peaceful silence. At Oak- 
wood, in the afternoon, a company assembled in a private house. 
To me it was the most suffering time I almost ever passed 
through ; the way opened to express a little, towards the time 
for separating. Next morning we rode to Elliott, a very small 
meeting. Here the spring of the Gospel was a little opened. 
On parting with the Friends where we dined, the importance 
of the right education of their children, and the necessity of 
being good examples ourselves, was attempted to be impressed 
on their minds. From this place we went to a Friend's near 
Eochester meeting-house. This meeting was little larger 
than Elliott. Some qualification was felt to labor with them, 
in order to draw them to the Spirit of Christ in their own 
hearts ; to learn of Him, and to take his yoke upon them ; by 
which they might realize the substance of the religion they 
professed. 

" It is not every one who is to be helped by us ; if there be 
one here and another there, who are quickened a little in the 
journey towards the good land, we must be satisfied, and leave 
the work to the Master. 

30th. " Eeached Wolfsborough, and found the letter request- 
ing the appointment of a meeting for us on seventh-day had not 
been received. Some exertion was made to spread notice, but 
the company was small ; the number of families composing the 
meeting being few, and not many of other professions. I passed 
the meeting in silence. At Sandwich we heard of our silent 
meeting at Berwick ; a person told there wero six preachers at 



116 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1833. 

it, and he thought it was the stillest meeting he had attended 
for some time ; nothing being said by any of them. I felt quite 
satisfied with the part I had in the meeting; believing there is 
as much necessity of holding up the testimony of Friends to 
silent waiting, as to preach the Gospel when called to it. 

" Wolfsborough lies at the south side of a lake, which is 
twenty-three miles long, and in the widest part, eight miles 
broad. The scenery in various parts of the ride to Sandwich, 
and round that country, is beautiful. The prospect from many 
hills taking in a circuit of twenty-five or thirty miles distance 
from the eye. 

Ninth month 6th. "At Raymond, a small meeting about six- 
teen miles from Windham; notice having been given at the 
Quarterly Meeting for this and other meetings. 

" The scenery at Raymond is uncommonly grand. On the east 
side of the road, running north and south, rises a range of hills, 
from the top of which we have a very extensive prospect. At 
our feet, on the west side of the road, runs a great valley ; to 
the southwest, Lake Sebago, several miles long ; and to the 
south and east, an open, hilly country, interspersed with large 
pools of water ; and beyond the valley, we see ranges of lofty 
mountains extending from southwest nearly round to the north ; 
the highest of which are the White Mountains of New Hamp- 
shire in the northwest from where we stood ; Mount Washing- 
ton, the highest peak, was distinctly in view. 

7th. "Went to Falmouth, where we were favored with a 
solemn, quiet meeting,. in which I thought the importance of 
silent waiting was never more clearly and forcibly impressed 
on me. It seemed proper to encourage Friends to faithful per- 
severance in their silent approaches to the throne of Grace; 
patiently waiting for the presence of Him, in whom was their 
delight, that they might be strengthened to hold up a testimony 
to spiritual worship. The next meeting being North Windham, 
we went back to N. P.'s, and on first-day morning attended 
it; the house below stairs being pretty much filled, princi- 
pally by those not of our Society. Such meetings are often a 
close trial upon one's courage. We often sit long before we can 
feel much solemnity. I endeavored to deliver what arose in my 
mind, but the stream had not such free course as is desirable. 
In the afternoon we went to Gorham, and notice having been 
spread for several days, the house, containing nearly two hun- 



1833.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 117 

dred persons, was almost filled, with the exception ol a snialr 
number, by persons of other professions. My mind was pretty 
calm, though not without some fears about the result. The 
people sat with the most becoming quiet, and after a season of 
inward, reverent waiting, I rose with the expressions of the 
Apostle, ' We are the circumcision, which worship God in the 
Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the 
flesh.' The necessity of experiencing our religious perform- 
ances to proceed from the influences of the Holy Spirit ; and the 
blessing which flows from a life of true dedication to its govern- 
ment, were opened ; with many views appertaining to the Chris- 
tian warfare; encouraging those who had entered the straight 
gate, to maintain close watchfulness, lest by the stratagems of 
an unwearied enemy, they might be again drawn aside. I have 
seldom been more helped on any occasion. It w T as cause of 
gratitude to our holy Helper and Caretaker, who knows how to 
deal with us, to be thus furnished with evidence, in the time of 
need, that He has not forgotten to be gracious; and I desire to 
be preserved under an humble sense of my own nothingness, 
and that all good must be derived from Him. 

Ninth month 11th. "Attended Yassalborough Quarterly 
Meeting. The Select Meeting was much larger than at Wind- 
ham ; the men's side more numerous than our own Quarterly 
Meeting. It was an agreeable one to me; the language of conso- 
lation being much more congenial to my feelings, than that of 
reproof, though indirectly conveyed; and which was offered in 
the endearing expression of our Lord : ' As the Father hath loved 
me, so have I loved you ; continue ye in my love ;' which can 
only be expected by faithfully doing or suffering his will. The 
meeting for discipline was rather painful. The way appeared 
to open, after we came upon the Queries, to make some remarks 
upon the solemnity of the purpose for which our religious meet- 
ings were held ; that they could only be profitable as the power 
and authority of Truth presided in them ; which was only to 
be expected, as every one kept to the gift of Divine grace in 
his own heart, waiting on that, so as to be preserved in his 
proper place in the body. For the first time, I was impressed 
with a belief it was right to propose going into the women's 
meeting ; a similar concern resting on my mind respecting them. 
After enquiry was made of them, and men Friends uniting with 
it, J. W. was named to accompany me." 
9 



118 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1833. 

[W. E. and companion then attended meetings at St. Albans, 
Albion and China.] 

Ninth month 18th. "Attended Yassalborough Monthly 
Meeting. We were brought into tender feeling with some, to 
whom the bread of adversity and the water of affliction had 
been dispensed; and they were reminded of the reverses which 
Job experienced; reduced as he was from the highest standing 
among men, though a perfect and upright man, to sit in ashes; 
and yet, in all this, he did not let go his integrity ; but when 
advised by his companion, to curse G-od and die, he reproved 
her, as speaking foolishly, and said, ' Shall we receive good at 
the hand of Grod, and shall we not receive evil?' That 
these very afflictions would contribute to prepare us for vessels 
in the Lord's house, where there were those of honor and dis- 
honor. I thought some in keeping their places, might not be 
esteemed by the uncircumcised in heart and ear, as honorable 
as some others ; yet it was highly important they should keep 
their places, discharging their duty faithfully in the sight of the 
Lord. 

Ninth month 30th. " We are progressing daily in the accom- 
plishment of the work for which we left our homes ; and have 
good reason to believe, that the Shepherd of the sheep has been 
with us, uniting us more closely to Him, and in near fellowship 
with those who love Him in sincerity. Friends are very kind 
and affectionate to us, willingly conducting us from meeting to 
meeting, and manifesting a readiness to attend ; also people of 
other professions, when they hear of them, freely come; though 
our invitations are simply to Friends, and such as usually fre- 
quent their meetings. 

Tenth month 3d, 1833. " Thine of the 24th, we found at S. 
F. H.'s, on our arrival yesterday, giving the affecting intelli- 
gence of the increasing disease and suffering of our daughter 
R.* Were it proper for me to return homeward, I should be 
glad to aid in making her as comfortable as her situation would 
admit; and if it should be your judgment, that it would be best 
to do so, we would give up the remaining parts of the proposed 
visit. It was very pleasant to find by thy letter that the Good 
Hand is round about, sustaining thy mind in the accumulated 
cares of the.family, and the trial produced by the very affect- 

* [A child of eight /ears, who was suffering with disease of the hip, which 
terminated her life, in the Eleventh month of 1836.] 



1833.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAxM EVANS. 119 

ing situation of a beloved child ; and I trust as we all endeavor" 
to keep our places, that support will not be withdrawn, but will 
be experienced, adequate to the labors of the day, and the 
anxiety and sympathy which must attend our present circum- 
stances." 

After leaving Yassalborough, "We crossed the Kennebec 
river, and were at a meeting appointed for us at Sidney ; it was 
rather a heavy, laborious time. Then rode to Belgrade, piloted 
by P. P. and wife. He is the Nantucket whaleman, who 
caught the whale which his men had struck thirteen years be- 
fore, and had left a part of the harpoon remaining ; with which 
it then escaped, and which they found on cutting it up. The 
harpoon was stamped with P. P.'s initials. 

" Belgrade Meeting was held in a private dwelling, and 
though not large, was a solemn opportunity. 

"Attended Winthrop Meeting, which was a mournful time ; 
under a persuasion that the standard-bearers had lost ground, 
through the love of other things than the blessed Truth. In the 
afternoon, held a meeting at Litchfield, which was large ; and 
a favored time it proved, the spring of the ministry being, as 
I believed, freely opened, and the people conducting in a solid 
manner. 

" Attended Pownall Meeting, where, as on one or two other 
occasions, we had to deal with some Universalists; whose prin- 
ciples are as dangerous as any other infidel doctrine, and which 
they are seeking to spread. Eode down to Portland and lodged. 
To-day (Tenth month 3d,) attended their meeting in silence." 

[After attending meetings at Cape Elizabeth and Berwick, 
"W. E. and companion proceeded to Meadersborough, where 
they were detained a few days by the indisposition of the for- 
mer. Here, he writes to his wife:] "Home came up frequently, 
with the sufferings our daughter is enduring, and the labor and 
care which devolve upon thee ; but it did not seem as if our 
work was finished, however unimportant it may be in the great 
scale of affairs." 

Tenth month 11th. " An appointed meeting at North Weare. 
In the afternoon, rode over to Henniker, accompanied by T. D., 
in his eighty-first year. We found his residence a model of 
simplicity; everything very plain, but very nice and clean. 
Their manner of living is of corresponding character. They 
consume, either in clothing or food, but little they do not make 



120 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1833. 

or raise ; and, sitting at their table, everything seemed to par- 
take of such purity, that it reminded me of patriarchal times. 
T. D. was enlisted for three years in the revolutionary war ; 
was at Cambridge during the battle of Banker's Hill ; but was 
not in any engagement, though he was anxious to kill many of 
his opponents. When his eyes were opened to see the anti- 
christianity of war, he found he had been under a delusion ; and 
was thankful he had never been permitted to destroy a fellow- 
creature. He has been among Friends about forty years. 

" We attended the first-day meeting at Unity; the morning 
wet and cloudy, which probably occasioned it to be small ; but 
we had cause for gratitude to our Lord and Master, for the ex- 
tension of his goodness ; affording renewed help to advocate his 
cause, after a time of long watching and waiting for his Divine 
presence and quickening power. On second-day afternoon, at- 
tended the meeting at Henniker. A want of religious exer- 
cise, too often evident in our meetings, produced sorrowful 
feelings ; and the fear that, as in other places, there was a defi- 
ciency in the right qualification to maintain our testimony to 
spiritual worship. The way, however, opened to show the 
effect of true religion, in leading into a deep inward travail of 
spirit, for the salvation of our immortal souls ; and that as this 
was our situation, when we came together in our meetings, a 
united, harmonious labor would be experienced, for the preva- 
lence of the Divine life amongst us. 

" I hope thy next will give the desirable intelligence, that the 
acute sufferings of our afflicted child are mitigated ; and that 
your anxious labors and watchings are lessened ; it would cheer 
me much, and encourage to try to finish what little work I 
might have to do. But we cannot change things when we may 
please ; and to be favored with fortitude and proper resignation 
to bear our lot, will promote our comfort and best interests. 
How many are enduring afflictive bereavements or painful suf- 
fering ; and while we are in the body, I anticipate little else 
than trial, mortification or affliction of some kind. If it work 
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, this 
will outbalance every possible tribulation we can here endure. 
It is, however, not necessary to be constantly dwelling on the 
gloomy pictures of life ; let us gird up our loins and try to keep 
our lamps burning, so as to be ready to open to our Lord at his 
coming ; and all those servants whom He finds thus watching, 



1833.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 121 

He will command to sit down to meat, and come forth and serve 
them himself. And thus we shall as we pass along, realize the 
blessedness of the religion we profess, to sustain in the hoar of 
trial, comfort and cheer with Divine consolation from time to 
time, and furnish in the end with a blessed hope of everlasting 
rest and peace ; where all sorrow ceases, and God shall wipe 
away all tears from every eye. 

Tenth month 16th. " Attended their Select Meeting at South 
Weare. Towards the close, the way opened to call the atten- 
tion of Friends to the foundation of our religious meetings ; 
that being wearied with the lifeless performances of the day, 
which were no better than husks to them, our early Friends sat 
down in silence to wait upon the Lord ; not daring to engage 
in vocal communications, without the putting forth of the 
Shepherd of the sheep ; that it was indispensable we should 
keep to the same ground, if the ministry is preserved a living 
ministry, proceeding from the spring of Divine life, which would 
water the flock, &c. Next day attended the Quarterly Meet- 
ing. We have hardly sat a more laborious meeting of that 
kind. I said nothing before the shutters were closed. After 
the meeting for business was ready for closing, it seemed pro- 
per to make some allusion to the difficulty with which our 
chariot wheels had dragged that day ; and to urge it as an in- 
citement to more zealous, individual concern ; to apply for wis- 
dom and strength for managing the affairs of the church ; which, 
no more than Divine worship, could be rightly performed, but 
by the aid of the Holy Spirit; the influence of which was to be 
lived under daily ; as we could not expect it when we came to- 
gether, if at other times we w r ere so absorbed with the world 
as scarcely to remember our religious duty, until such occasions 
recalled it. Our discipline is an excellent institution ; but 
not like a machine that could be set in operation by the inge- 
nuity of man ; the same wisdom that instituted it was to be 
waited and sought for, in the various duties to be performed by 
the different members. I felt for the young people, lest they 
might be discouraged by such seasons ; but exhorted them to 
come to Christ in their own hearts, that they might be taught 
and prepared by Him for his service in the church ; and be pre- 
served from having all their faculties absorbed by the world ; be 
enabled to keep their duties in their proper places ; having their 
hearts lifted up to Him in the heavens, while their hands were 



122 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1833. 

necessarily engaged in their lawful occupations; and thus He 
would qualify them to' stand in those stations He would allot 
them in his church. 

" Sixth-day morning set out for Concord, and there held a 
meeting with the few who assemble in that place ; several 
Friends, on their way home, also attending. It was a good 
meeting ; the language of sympathy and encouragement to- 
wards the few who lived there, was held out; to keep their eye 
over all discouraging prospects, to their divine Master, who 
would sustain in times of conflict ; and make a way for them to 
escape every trial and temptation with which they were beset, 
as they relied on Him. The spirit of infidelity came very un- 
expectedly into view ; and a warning was given of the awful 
consequence which must result from it, unless repentance and 
forgiveness were timely experienced. The meeting closed with 
supplication for our preservation and support through the con- 
flicts we may have to endure. 

21st. "Held a meeting at Gilmanton, which, in the fore- 
part, was very exercising, from the belief, that the desire for 
words was too prevalent here, as in some other places. After 
long sitting, it seemed proper to say, I hoped the time would 
not come, when we should either be ashamed or incapable of 
holding our religious meetings in solemn silence, whenever it 
was the will of the great Head of the church that they should 
be so held. After adverting to the circumstance of our first 
Friends being withdrawn fpom a lifeless ministry, and the cere- 
monies of that time, to sit down under the teachings of Christ; 
the nature of Divine worship, as set forth by Him, in the inter- 
view with the woman at Jacob's well, was a little opened ; and 
the necessity of experiencing the efficacy in ourselves, of the 
religion we were making profession of, was enforced ; which I 
have found it much my place to do, wherever we have been. 
We are getting very outward, full of doctrinal knowledge ; but 
where are the fruits of our principles ? 

Tenth month 23d and 24th. "Attended the Quarterly Meet- 
ing at Dover, which was large. Through the mercy and kind- 
ness of the Shepherd of the flock, we were favored with a solemn 
meeting; the way opening to take leave of them and the ex- 
tensive tract we have travelled over, with relieved and peaceful 
minds. 

(t Went to Seabrook on seventh-day afternoon. This meeting 



1833.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS 123 

was once large; and many of the members eminent among 
Friends. Comfort Collins, who lived to the age of one hundred 
and five years, belonged to it. We attended the meeting, now 
reduced to three or four plain men, and eight or ten women. 

" In the afternoon rode down to Amesbury ; and, to our sur- 
prise, found we were to hold a meeting in a manufacturing town. 
We had been told it was a very small meeting; and, supposing 
it to be a country place, consented to the proposal to have it in 
the afternoon. When we went to the house, we found it filling 
up with all descriptions of people, nothing like Friends ; scarcely 
any present who knew much about the proper exercise for such 
occasions. I saw no other way than to cast ourselves upon 
Him who only can enable us to meet difficulties, with the hope 
the cause might not be permitted to suffer; there was some 
ability furnished to preach the gospel of salvation to them. The 
company sat very still and attentive." 

[After attending several meetings in the eastern and south- 
eastern parts of 3Ia>sachusetts, and on Nantucket, W. E. writes, 
under date of Eleventh month 14th:] -This afternoon returned 
to New Bedford, and found a letter from brother T., which 
gives a much more unfavorable view of our dear daughter's 
case ; and I think I shall be easy, after being at two meetings, 
appointed for sixth and seventh-days, and at New Bedford on 
first-day, to set off for Newport on second-day morning ; take 
the steamboat there for New York, [and thence to Philadel- 
phia.] 

" I have felt incapable of taking satisfaction in anything, since 
I received the affecting intelligence of our beloved child's situa- 
tion ; excepting in the evidence, I think I have had, from place 
to place, that the blaster was with us; this has made me hope 
that our child would at least be continued until I was favored 
to reach our residence in peace. It would be a close trial to me, 
indeed, not to be permitted to see her face again ; but I cannot 
be persuaded yet, to think I shall not be with you some time 
before the final event; if it be not consistent with the Divine 
Will to restore her. No one knows the feelings I pass through 
daily at being detained from you; it seems as if I could not 
stay; and yet I have not been able to see that the time had 
come to take my departure, until this afternoon. In looking 
back at the original prospect, it appears to be pretty much ac- 
complished; excepting four meetings in this Quarterly Meet- 



124 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1834. 

ing, and four or five in Bhode Island Quarter, which I had 
intended to visit." 

[W. E.'s minute, with endorsements, was returned to his 
Monthly Meeting, Eleventh month 27th, 1833. 

1834, Ninth month 24th. A certificate was granted him to 
attend the next Yearly Meeting of Friends, to be held in Balti- 
more. This was returned, Eleventh month 26th, of the same 
year.] 



CHAPTEK YI 

1835. 



Religious visit to Friends in the Eastern parts of New York, and in 
Yermont. 

I 

Having obtained a certificate from the Monthly and the Quar- 
terly Meeting, of their unity with a concern I had felt for 
several months, to visit the meetings of Friends in the eastern 
side of New York Yearly Meeting, I set out on the journey on 
the 18th of the Ninth month, 1835; having for companion my 
beloved friend Joseph Snowden, who had a minute for the pur- 
pose. Leaving a beloved wife and family of children, naturally 
awakened peculiar feelings, on account of the increased weight 
of the charge of all the domestic concerns devolving upon one 
head, and the reflection, that while we travel abroad to promote 
the welfare of others, temptation surrounds our own children ; 
by which they may be led into things unbecoming our profes- 
sion ; and thereby, if yielded to, bring reproach upon the blessed 
cause which we espouse. But after receiving the unity of 
Friends, there appeared to be no other right course but to com- 
mit them all to the protection and care of the Shepherd of 
Israel; trusting that when He does lead forth into service, if we 
endeavor to discharge our duty to them faithfully, while at 
home, He will be round about, and guard them from evil and 
from danger. 

We reached the residence of that worthy mother in Israel, 



183." ] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 125 

Euth Ely, near New Hope, that evening, where we were very 
kindly and agreeably entertained. The company of those who 
feel a deep interest in our religions Society, and are capable of 
estimating its usefulness, and its weaknesses, is very interest- 
ing, and deservedly valued. On the following day we rode to 
N. Y.'s, at Plainfield, and attended their meeting on first-day; 
which was rather dull and heavy, too few being willing to enter 
into labor for themselves. The spirit of speculating in property 
having prevailed in and near some of our large cities, seemed 
to have had its influence here ; conversation frequently running 
upon the sale and increased value of land. Although the first- 
day of the week is set apart for religious retirement and medi- 
tation, yet making money would come up, and show that it was 
a prime and absorbing subject. Its effect is sorrowful upon old 
and young ; leading one into the fashions and vanities of the 
world, and producing spiritual dryness and even death in the 
other. We took tea at J. S.'s, and being alone, had a little sit- 
ting with them • in Which the language of sympathy and en- 
couragement was freely offered; his wife being a minister, 
and appearing to need strength and courage to occupy her gift 
faithfully. 

N. Y. kindly piloted us to Newark, where we fed our horses 
and made enquiries after the best route to Eloominggrove, and 
proceeded ; putting up that night at a tavern, being forty-one 
miles from Plainfield. Third-day morning, 22d, set out and 
rode through a mountainous country, passing several iron works 
and factories ; the road was very good. After dining, eighteen 
miles on, we obtained directions, and went nine miles further to 
D. B.'s, at Bloominggrove. He is an elderly Friend, who, with 
his family, joined the Society ; they live very comfortably in a 
plain manner, and entertain their friends well, and with a good 
will. 

Notice was spread for a meeting with Friends, and those who 
usually attend, to be at the eleventh hour, fourth-day morning. 
The company was small, considerable part of the members 
having gone off with E. Hicks. The importance of silent, 
patient waiting for the arising of the life of Truth, to qualify 
for every act in Divine worship, was much impressed on my 
mind ; but there seemed little qualification to say anything. 
Some became restless, and a Friend, who, I was afraid, caught 
thai: feeling, rose and urged the people not to look to man, whose 



126 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

breath was in his nostrils, but to Him alone, who could give the 
bread of life. The advice was good, if it proceeded from right 
authority, but it rather distressed me. He took his seat, and 
after sitting a few minutes rose again, and enlarged in the same 
strain. I then thought we should soon close the meeting with- 
out any thing further ; but in looking towards that, I was fear- 
ful of omitting to disclose the exercise which had attended my 
mind, respecting the importance of practising silent, patient 
waiting upon Christ, for the renewal of our strength, and ability 
to do his will, whatever it might be. In this humble engagement, 
we should find that without Him we can do nothing ; and how- 
ever active man may be in things very proper to be done, when 
He commands, yet without this renewed unction, all will 
amount to nothing. The nature of true, spiritual religion; the 
cleansing operation of Him who now sits as a refiner's fire, and 
as a fuller with soap; and the participation of the supper of the 
Lord, by opening our hearts to Him, was a little dwelt upon. 
Some Methodists were there, and some of us, may have needed 
such views to be held up. 

In the afternoon we rode to Canterbury, near the North Eiver, 
and put up at N. A.'s. He and his brother, sons of S. A., are 
largely in the brick-making business. They employ simple but 
ingenious machinery in working up and mixing the clay and 
sand, and a small proportion of fine anthracite coal to form the 
brick ; and another contrivance by which the prepared compo- 
sition is pressed into the moulds ; turning out four bricks every 
compression. Two of these machines, with the aid of six men 
and six boys, make about 19,000 bricks per day, after the clay 
is prepared by others. On fifth-day the 24th, we attended the 
Monthly Meeting here, called Cornwall, of which that effectual 
minister of the G-ospel, David Sands, was formerly a member. 
We passed his residence in going to the meeting-house ; it 
has an air of ancient simplicity and comfort; being a long one- 
story building, with a high roof, admitting of lodging in the 
attic story. His ancient widow, about ninety, walked to the 
meeting, over quarter of a mile. It was a small company of 
Friends for a Monthly Meeting; constituted of Bloominggrove, 
and Cornwall Preparative Meetings. The need of steadfastly 
abiding upon the watch, in order to escape the captivating 
snares of the enemy, was held up to view, in the injunction of 
our Lord, "What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch:" 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 127 

"Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation;" for though 
the spirit may often be ready, the flesh is weak. It ap- 
peared to me that the lawful things of this world were to be 
watched against : though all things might be lawful, they were 
not all expedient: and the Apostle declared he would not 
be brought under the power of any. Some appeared to be in 
danger of being so absorbed in worldly pursuits, as to live 
in almost total forgetfulness of the Giver of every outward 
blessing we enjoy, and consequent neglect of the soul's sal- 
vation. These were invited to return to the watch-tower, 
and take heed to the voice of the true Shepherd ; that they 
might be again brought out of bondage into the liberty of 
the children of God. It was a pretty open time. The widow 
Sands expressed her belief that the Lord had not left Himself 
without witnesses to the Truth, and desired that each might 
take that which applied to them. Their business was passed 
through with but little expression, though five Queries were an- 
swered. I thought it proper to urge the right and due support 
of the discipline, in the spirit and wisdom by which it was in- 
stituted; as the health of the Society would be materially in- 
fluenced by it. The sentiments were accorded with by two 
Friends. 

At Newberry Valley, fourteen miles further, we had an ap- 
pointed meeting on the following afternoon, at two o'clock. 
It collected very irregularly, which kept up a state of unsettle- 
mentfor a long time. Feelings of poverty and desertion, and a fear 
whether it would be held to profit, crowded into my mind ; but 
after a time of inward waiting, and looking to the Master for 
his direction, it seemed right to stand up with the expression, 
•• Xone of them "-an by any means redeem his brother, nor give 
to God a ransom for him;" neither could we become partakers 
of that redemption which comes by Jesus Christ, unless we 
were individually concerned to enter into labor in our own 
hearts, under the aid and direction of his Holy Spirit; that sane- 
tification may be effected in us. It was a solemn opportunity; 
in which the necessity of working out the salvation of the soul 
with fear and trembling, aud the certainty that everlasting 
separation from the redeemed, will be the portion of the rebel- 
lious who die unforgiven, were feelingly expressed. TTe lodged 
at the house of a Friend, and in the morning, had a short sitting 
with the family: in which the heads were encouraged to occupy 



128 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

faithfully the gifts bestowed on them, whatever they might be, 
not trusting in their own strength. It seemed to me, that the 
wife was called to more open acknowledgment of the side she 
ought to take; perhaps, in publicly espousing the cause of 
Truth. 

A meeting being appointed for us at Marlborough, we rode over 
to it, seven miles. The company was small ; and though in the 
fore part of the time, several passages of Scripture instructively 
presented, and seemed as if they were very suitable for commu- 
nication, the feeling gradually subsided, and no intimation to 
offer them being distinctly felt, we closed the sitting in silence. 
The subjects were the necessity of the fruit-bearing branches 
being purged ; and, also that of stillness, before the Searcher of 
hearts, that we may know Him, and his manner of dealing 
with us, and thereby renew our strength. I think I was willing 
to speak or be silent, as the Master should order, and after- 
wards hoped these openings might tend to my own benefit. 
JRode to Jacob Heaton's in the afternoon, and attended Platte- 
kill Meeting on first-day. Notice having been spread through 
the neighborhood, the house was pretty well filled by Friends 
and others. The distinction between John's baptism and that 
of Christ, the former being with water, and the latter with the 
Spirit, each designating the nature of the dispensation to which 
it appertained, was held up to view. One decreasing must come 
to an end, and the other increasing must overspread all; and 
as the Apostle declares, that to us there is but "one Lord, one 
faith and one baptism ; one God and Father of all who is above 
all, through all and in you all;" this baptism must be that of 
Christ, which is with the Holy Ghost and fire : it is therefore 
essential, that the professors of his name should deeply and fre- 
quently examine whether they are submitting to it, and thereby 
witnessing the chaff and every defilement purely purged away; 
so as to make fit temples for the Holy One to dwell in. 

The work of regeneration, and the effects of it upon our lives, 
and conduct, and conversation, were pretty fully treated on. The 
meeting was quiet, and ended with a covering of solemnity. 

After dinner, a few Friends coming in, we had a precious 
parting opportunity ; in which some, who I believed, had been 
of latter time brought under feelings of increased seriousness, 
were affectionately called upon to yield to those precious visita- 
tions, and resort to nothing to divert their attention from 



1835] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. . 129 

Him, who has thus been drawing near, to enlist them under his 
government. We left these dear Friends with feelings of ten- 
der affection, and desire for their growth in the Truth; and 
rode to W. M.'s, at Paltz. His house is placed on the side of a 
mountain, and amongst a description of people not veiy suita- 
ble society for a young family. The meeting was small, and a 
very trying one to my feelings ; so little heartfelt concern for 
their own spiritual welfare being apparent. I endeavored to 
discharge my duty, in exhorting them to more zeal and dili- 
gence ; but we left them with little hope that Truth would soon 
prosper there. When we see the young children of the princi- 
pal Friend, fashionably dressed, we cannot expect that the life 
of religion will be sought after and cherished. I spoke to him 
upon the subject; which he appeared to take kindly, and ac- 
knowledged he had yielded to it contrary to his judgment, and 
thought in future he should be more firm. 

Attended an appointed meeting at three o'clock, at the Plains; 
which was also a low time, though accompanied by rather 
more lively feelings than in the morning. We lodged at a 
Friend's house ; and in the morning had an opportunity with 
him and his daughters, who had lost their mother about a year 
since, and one of them her husband ; in which sympathy was 
felt with them in their bereavements, and the young women 
affectionately counselled to follow their mother, as she had fol- 
lowed Christ. Then set out for Dutchess County ; crossed the 
North Eiver at Poughkeepsie, and went to the Creek, to the 
residence of our kind friends, Smith and Sarah Upton ; who re- 
ceived and entertained us with much cordiality. 

The next day, being the last of the Ninth month, we attended 
their usual mid-week meeting. It was much reduced by the 
absence of several members, summoned to court at Poughkeep- 
sie. Some of the little company, according to my feelings, were 
partaking of poverty of spirit, and under suffering of a close 
nature. We sat long in silence, w T hen it seemed proper to ad- 
dress them with the language of Christ : " Blessed be ye poor, 
for yours is the kingdom of God." I hoped that the Master 
was present with us, to comfort them that mourned ; and that 
in his time, He would give to such, "beauty for ashes ; the oil of 
joy for mourning ; and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
heaviness." We passed the remainder of the day at S. Upton's, 
with his wife ; Smith being at Poughkeepsie. It seemed like 



130 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

being with people who understood our language ; and with 
whom we could hold converse with freedom. 

Tenth month 1st. Accompanied by our beloved friend, we 
went to the regular meeting. at Stanford, to which that worthy 
man, and dignified minister of Christ, Henry Hull, belonged, 
during his lifetime. A qualification was here afforded, to preach 
the gospel of life and salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
to some who had wandered from the footsteps of the flock, into a 
far country, where they were perishing with hunger ; and desti- 
tute of all hope of any solid comfort or peace. They were 
pressingiy invited to receive the everlasting Shepherd, in his 
offers of help to restore them to the Father's house and flock. 
It was a season of favor ; and we had reason to believe that the 
states of some were closely spoken to. Returned -in the even- 
ing to S. Upton's ; and on sixth-day morning, he piloted us to 
little Nine Partners; a very small company ; but it was rather a 
comfortable opportunity: dined at the house of an aged Friend, 
who is a great landholder and very extensive farmer, having 
large flocks of sheep, and many fat cattle. Before we left his 
house, I was most easy to spend a little time in silent waiting 
with him and his daughter ; and the necessity of preparing for 
the midnight cry, presenting forcibly, I endeavored, in a way 
becoming my youth and his age, to impress the importance of 
being broken off from his worldly pursuits ; and experiencing 
his affections set on things which are above. As we brought 
nothing into this world, certain it is, we can carry nothing out ; 
and neither corn, the finest wheat, the largest flocks, nor the 
richest land, can procure for us the oil of the kingdom, with 
which our lamps should be replenished. It appeared to have a 
tendering effect ; and the old man parted with us affectionately. 
We then rode about six miles to North-east. 

Notice having been spread, we had a meeting with Friends 
and others of the neighborhood, on seventh-day. As is often 
the case, some were restless, in the forepart of the time ; being 
accustomed to hear preaching at their own places of worship ; 
but the parable of the sower, and the different soils into which 
the seed was cast, presented ; and after waiting for the putting 
forth of the good hand, it was opened to them ; and with in- 
struction to myself also. We had cause for renewed thankful- 
ness to our blessed Master for his aid, and the solemnizing 
influence of his presence. After dining, we sat with the family 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 131 

of the kind Friend, at whose house we staid, and the tendering 
invitations of Divine love were renewed to some of his children — 
whose appearance was not sufficiently conformed to the simpli- 
city of the Truth — to take up the cross and openly confess their 
dear Lord, in plainness of dress and address, and in the fruits 
of a meek and quiet spirit. It seemed to me that Grace had 
been at work, in bringing some of them under more serious 
thoughtfulness, than at previous periods. We then returned 
with S. Upton to his hospitable mansion — twelve miles. On first- 
day we attended their meeting; where we had also the company 
of a number not belonging with Friends. Here it appeared pro- 
per to hold forth the doctrine, that true religion is an inward, 
silent, progressive work ; its beginning is small, being com- 
pared to a grain of mustard-seed, the least of all seeds ; but 
as it is suffered to take root in the heart, will eradicate all 
other plants that produce fruit contrary to the Divine na- 
ture, and eventually overspread all. The incorruptible seed 
and Word of God is called by many names: as the Seed; the 
Light; the manifestation of the Spirit; the grace of God that 
brings salvation, and hath appeared unto all men ; and as man 
is passive, under its operation, it will bring him from under the 
dominion of his evil passions and propensities, in which Satan 
holds his rule ; and set up and establish the kingdom of heaven 
in his heart. The subject opened gradually, and the meeting- 
was clothed with much solemnity ; furnishing renewed cause 
for grateful, humble acknowledgment to the Master of assem- 
blies, for his Divine presence and assistance. In the evening, 
we took tea with Isaac and Euth Halleck. He is nearly eighty- 
tWo years of age ; his wife a few years younger, and in the sta- 
tion of a minister. He named several Friends of our Yearly 
Meeting, long since deceased, and among them my grandfather, 
David Bacon ; who, in company with some others, attended a 
treaty with the Indians in this State. Afterwards an old Indian 
undertook to give a character of those Friends, to a Friend who 
visited them, and David Bacon, he called a "cleared field" — mean- 
ing that he saw all around him. Dropping into silence, just 
before Ave left, the language of sympathy and comfort was ex- 
tended to these ancient Friends; who have passed through 
much domestic affliction; and yet to old age, have been favored 
to hold on their way. and grow stronger in faith and confidence, 
in Him, who was with the three children in the furnace, and 



132 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

delivered them, so that the smell of fire was not found upon 
their garments ; and continues to be with his children now in 
their deepest afflictions. 

On second-day morning, Tenth month 5th, accompanied by 
Smith Upton, we set out for the meetings in Nine Partners 
Quarterly Meeting. We stopped to see Anne Thorne, who was 
about to embark for Europe, on a religious visit. She seemed 
quite cheerful. While sitting with them, I adverted to the 
necessity of keeping to the inward guidance of the Holy Spirit, 
in all our movements; it was that which could alone preserve 
us, whatever might be our stations in the church; whether 
fathers or mothers, young men or children ; and if w^e were 
permitted at any time to ride, as upon the king's horse, we must 
return to the gate ; in a lowly dependence upon the Lord. We 
were not to look on the countenance, or the height of the sta- 
ture of any, but our eye and expectation must be to the Lord 
alone, for his guidance and direction. This was the ground on 
which our early Friends came forth, and a doctrine the Society 
has ever held ; and it is only as we keep in humble reliance on 
the inward guidance of Christ's spirit, that we can experience 
preservation. She remarked that our coming in had reminded her 
of the meeting of the Apostle and the brethren, at the Three 
Taverns ; and she trusted that we should remember each other, 
when far separated. We rode five miles to New Milford, where 
the meeting is held; much of the way through heavy rain, 
which deterred several from coming. This meeting, we were 
informed, originated among a number of students at a college in 
Connecticut ; who were, in measure, convinced of the principles 
of Friends, by reading Barclay's Apology, which they found in 
the library. They met together for the performance of public 
worship, before they knew where there were any Friends ; and 
not knowing the practice of Friends, some one of them exer- 
cised the office of preacher among them. Hearing of a Yearly 
Meeting, held on Long Island, some went to it; and becoming 
more perfectly informed of the church government established 
in the Society, they became members, and this meeting was ac- 
knowledged by Friends. 

In sitting with the company now meeting there, the impres- 
sion attended me, that there was more appearance of the Friend 
than an experimental acquaintance with the work of regenera- 
tion. The language of the Apostle, that "All are not Israel 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 133 

that are of Israel," reviving, I endeavored, in a plain but tender 
manner, to hold up the necessity of examining and proving our- 
selves, whether we be in the faith which gives the victory over the 
world, the flesh and the devil. That the outward profession, 
without a living acquaintance with the inward work of sanctifi- 
cation, could avail little ; and the danger of deceiving ourselves 
with the opinion, that we are better than we really are, made it 
needful frequently to present ourselves as in the presence of the 
Lord, that by his light we may see our true condition. In the 
afternoon, we rode up a very long, steep hill, to Oblong, to the 
house of Paul Osborne. His father, now in the ninety-second 
year of his age, lives with him. He retains his faculties and 
bodily powers in rather an extraordinary degree ; has no pain 
or disease ; and never had much sickness throughout his long 
life ; he walks regularly to meeting, twice a week, distance half 
a mile. 

We attended the meeting at Oblong, which was a heavy, dull 
time; and being able to come at little feeling of life, and reli- 
gious exercise among them, concluded the sitting in silence. 
Being the Preparative Meeting, and the time for answering five 
of their Queries, some opportunity was furnished for calling the 
attention of Friends to the reply to the Query, respecting the 
attendance of meetings, and the manner of conducting them- 
selves therein; but not being able to divest myself of an impres- 
sion to have an opportunity with men and women together, the 
partitions were opened, and, through the help of the Shepherd 
of Israel, we had a tendering opportunity. The danger of for- 
getting his mercy, who delivered us in the dark and cloudy day, 
as out of the paw of the lion, and the paw of the bear, was im- 
pressed; and Friends were called on to show forth in life and 
conversation, and in the weightiness of their spirits, the excel- 
lency of those principles which they professed : but if those 
among whom they dwelt, saw that they were engrossed with 
the things of the world ; its comforts and pleasures ; it must 
tend to the sentiment, that it made but little difference what 
our profession is. Several very goodly young men and women 
were present; who appeared to have, in measure, yielded to 
the convictions of Truth in their minds ; and the language of 
affectionate invitation was extended, to treasure up in their own 
hearts, the sayings of their Lord to them ; to retire frequently, 
10 



134 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

and enter into communion with Him ; to take up his cross and 
follow Him ; and they would witness a growth in grace, and 
come to be preachers of righteousness; by which others would 
be drawn to unite with them, in walking in the same blessed 
path. The necessity of a lively travail of spirit, when they as- 
sembled for Divine worship, every one for himself, was brought 
into view; this was the experience of Friends in the beginning; 
who sat down together in silence, waiting upon the Lord, and 
not on one another. As they gathered here, He who declared 
Himself to be in the midst of the two or three who meet in his 
name, broke in upon them, and melted and contrited their 
spirits, and enabled them to offer praise and thanksgiving to 
his ever worthy name. 

On fifth-day we had an appointed meeting at the Branch, now 
held at a private house. It was a mixed company, Friends, a 
few Separatists, and a number not of us. The labor was diffi- 
cult ; part of it being directed against an active, self-confident 
spirit, ever ready to be doing ; on which account I thought 
some made opposition. Christ's language at the marriage in 
Cana, "What have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet 
come," &c, and his direction to his immediate followers, to 
tarry at Jerusalem, until they were endued with power from 
on high, were alluded to. If they could do nothing without 
Him, who had seen his miracles, and been with Him, but were 
to wait for power, it surely must be necessary for us All 
preaching and prayer, without a renewed qualification, would 
avail but little ; it would leave the mind barren and empty. 
Several expressed their satisfaction with the meeting; but I did 
not feel as though the Divine unction as much attended and 
softened the people, as at some other times. Before we left our 
Friends, with whom we dined, sympathy with them in the re- 
sponsibility which attaches to their station; at the head of a 
little company driven out of their meeting-house by the spirit 
of Hicksism, was expressed; as well as the need of asking wis- 
dom to lead the flock connected with them. The prophet told 
Saul, he had done foolishly in offering, for fear the people 
should be scattered ; and now it is needful to wait patiently for 
the Master, that whatever is done, maj^ be under his direction. 

Sixth-day the 9th. Attended Beekman Meeting; the house 
here is in the possession of Friends, but few having separated. 
It is a Preparative Meeting, and now includes Oswego. The 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 135 

company convened to-day nearly filled the house; and the ad- 
vice of the wise man, not to say that the former days were 
better than the present, was revived. Notwithstanding it is our 
duty to commemorate the virtues of holy men, and women, 
yet it is also needful to remember that the power which made 
them so, is unchangeable ; and as it is yielded to, will produce 
similar effects in our day. It was by giving heed to the little 
requisitions of Truth, that they grew in Grace from stature to 
stature ; and in the same way must we, if we come to an estab- 
lishment on the same foundation. They that are faithful in a 
little, shall be made rulers over more. That night we lodged at 
the house of the widow of James Congdon, at Oswego; it was 
an agreeable resting place. 

Seventh-day 10th. Friends being deprived of their meeting- 
house, nearly all the members having joined with E. Hicks, the 
few who maintain their ground, meet at the house of the widow. 
Several of those who met to-day were not members, and a few of 
them had been, or are connected with the Separatists. A want 
of practical acquaintance with silent, patient waiting for the 
springing up of Divine life, sometimes makes it hard work for the 
few who endeavor to maintain that ground. This was the case 
here ; but after a time, the way opened to relieve myself; though 
it required a patient, steady attention to the opening of the gift, 
so as to communicate what was designed for them. Tenderness 
spread over us, and the meeting concluded with prayer for our 
individual preservation, and strength to pursue the path of 
allotted duty faithfully. After meeting rode to Isaac Thorn's, 
at Nine Partners. Shortly after we got there, he arrived from 
New York, having accompanied his wife, going there for the 
purpose of embarking for England. She sailed on the 8th ; and 
H. C. Backhouse also, who had been in this country on a religious 
visit, above five years. 

Eirst-day 11th. "We were at the meeting here, which was a 
large company for these times; the children of the school being 
present. The service to-day, seemed to be for the purpose of 
encouraging those who were favored with a knowledge of their 
Master's will, to stand faithfully to it, notwithstanding the op- 
position they may have to meet. "All that will live godly 
in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." Even the adverse 
opinions of our most intimate friends are sometimes to be borne, 
though they inflict great trial upon us; yet it is our duty to 



136 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

keep firm to what is right, and in due time, our opponents may 
be convinced and brought to unite with us. The Apostle de- 
clared that, " If I yet pleased men I should not be the servant 
of Christ;" our business is to please Him that hath visited and 
called us by his grace. A qualification was graciously fur- 
nished to show the dignified standing of a true, self-denying 
follower of Christ, let what may, come upon him; and that as 
he keeps faithful, he will be built up and established on that 
Rock, which is Christ ; against which, the powers of darkness 
cannot prevail. Some advice was also communicated to parents, 
on the necessity of restraining their children, as well as coun- 
selling them. The complaint against Eli was, that he had not 
restrained his sons ; and they both died in one day, and the ark 
fell into the hands of their enemies. Similar danger awaited 
us. The duty of obedience to all the lawful commands of 
parents, was also enforced upon the children. 

I was much disappointed in finding very nearly all the chil- 
dren in the school, [under the care of the Yearly Meeting,] 
dressed in a fashionable manner, and that more than one-half 
of them were not members of the Society of Friends. If the 
Yearly Meeting admits into its school such a departure from 
plainness, the children who are placed there, receive the im- 
pression that the Society regards dress as of little consequence. 
Being naturally fond of finery, they will expect to be indulged 
in it ; and if a proper restraint is not maintained, the example 
may spread a disadvantageous influence to other children in the 
Society. As it is their practice to read in the afternoon, we sat 
with them, and after several chapters of the Bible had been 
read, the way opened to hold up the excellency of these inesti- 
mable writings, and the advantage of daily reading them. 
Every one has the gift of Grace, or the manifestation of the 
Spirit ; a reprover, and teacher which accompanies us wherever 
we go, and knows the most secret thought and intention of the 
heart. They were tenderly invited to mind and obey its con- 
victions, and it would bring them to love their Creator in the 
days of their youth; and give them that peace which the world 
could not; nor could it deprive them of it. We then set out for 
Pleasant Valley, and were agreeably received and lodged at the 
house of a Friend, who, with his wife, treated us very affection- 
ately. 
. Second-day morning 12th. A meeting having been appointed 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 137 

at Poughkeepsie, we sat with a small company who assembled 
there. Much the larger part of the Society here, seceded; 
and Friends had to build a house to accommodate themselves. 
It proved a good opportunity ; one of the young men was much 
broken into tears. If any good is done, we have cause to be 
thankful to Him, by whom alone it can be effected. In prose- 
cuting our religious duty in visiting meetings, we are often 
assailed with doubt whether any good is produced by it ; 
and sometimes are ready to think, were it not for the purpose 
of doing what is required, we might as well be at home. Such 
feelings contribute to our humiliation, and tend to keep us under 
religious exercise, that our Divine Leader may continue with 
us, and accompany what He may give for the people, with his 
baptising power, and thereby carry on his own work. In. the 
afternoon, we crossed the North River at Poughkeepsie. On 
the. following afternoon, we rode to Canterbury, and attended 
Cornwall Quarterly Meeting, held on fourth and fifth-days. In 
the Meeting of Ministers and Elders, the situation of Israel 
abiding in their tents according to their tribes, impressed my 
mind, as representing the members of the church, keeping their 
habitation in the Truth; and every one filling up his duty, 
allotted by the Great Head. The subject was a little opened, 
t© show the happy effects it has on them individually ; dwelling 
in a state of lowlimindedness, where they may know the dew of 
heaven to rest upon them, and a growth to be experienced in 
the Truth. In this situation they are prepared to be instru- 
mental in exalting the kingdom of the Messiah, and to draw 
from others, the acknowledgment that they are a settled, sub- 
stantial people ; inwardly gathered to the teachings of the Holy 
Spirit; and against whom no divination or enchantment can 
prevail. Some further remarks were made to awaken some to 
the great importance of silent, patient waiting in our religious 
meetings ; that they might not, like Saul, attempt to offer any 
thing lest the people should be scattered. 

In the meeting, next day, it did not appear to be my place to 
say anything. When the Meeting for Discipline was about to 
close, I thought it right to request the partitions to be opened ; 
that we might have a few minutes together. The weak state 
of the Society was adverted to, and the means by which it 
would be strengthened ; the importance of every one keeping 
in their own places, with a single eye to the Master, that no 



138 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

one might put forth a hand to steady the ark unbidden ; that 
gifts were dispensed ; to some the gift of discerning spirits ; and 
when any one misapprehends his or her service, and offered that 
which brought death, such were to caution them, that they might 
be preserved; and that those only who had experienced, in mea- 
sure, the work of sanctification, were suitable to take an active 
part in the discipline of the church. 

Some Friends who attended the Quarterly Meeting, piloted 
us to Beekman, in the evening ; and early the following morn- 
ing, we rode eighteen miles to Smith Upton's ; and that day 
attended the Creek Monthly Meeting, to satisfaction. Our 
friends treated us with marked kindness, being anxious to do 
everything they could to promote our comfort. 

Tenth month 17th, seventh-day, we rode to Stanford, to the 
house of our late beloved friend Henry Hull ; his widow, who 
had been on a visit south, when we were there before, having 
returned. Attended the Monthly Meeting ; in which the need 
of patient submission to the sittings permitted to come upon 
us, was feelingly opened ; and the states of some who need it, and 
of some who were partaking of such dispensations, were spoken 
to. Sarah M. Upton, who accompanied us, appeared in suppli- 
cation. On answering the Queries, it was evident that the 
maintenance of the discipline was much neglected ; and that 
cases of long standing had been suffered to remain unattended 
to. The sound, healthy condition of a meeting is much pro- 
moted by the support and faithful administration of the disci- 
pline. They admitted their weakness ; and I suggested the 
exjxediency of the overseers from all the Preparative Meetings 
uniting, and entering into a thorough investigation of the state 
of their members ; for where the discipline is not sustained, a 
meeting must decline. It was approved. Set off in the after- 
noon for Hudson, and got to the meeting on first-day. Here 
we sat under a painful sense of the life of religion being low 
amongst them ; and that some who had known the visitations 
of Divine love, in time past, had turned their back upon the 
Truth, and were pursuing their own ways. The expressions of 
our Lord, that "Many are called, but few are chosen;" and 
that "Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be 
first;" were brought into view, and exemplified by the para- 
ble of the marriage of the king's son. They were warned of the 
awful consequence of doing despite to the Spirit of Grace: "See- 



1835] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 139' 

ing they crucify to themselves the Son of G-od afresh, and put him 
to open shame;" though should the period arrive when, for fear 
of Him who sitteth upon the throne, and the wrath of the Lamb, 
they might call on the rocks and the mountains to hide them, it 
would be in vain. Several of the doctrines of the Christian re- 
ligion were opened and enforced, and a solemn covering came 
over the meeting. 

Notice was spread for a meeting at two o'clock, in the after- 
noon of the 19lh, at Chatham; to which the few Friends, 
who compose the meeting here, came. Several others, not 
Friends, also attended. The nature of Divine worship, under 
the gospel dispensation, was opened, from the expression of 
the apostle Paul: "We are the circumcision which worship 
God in the spirit; and rejoice in Christ Jesus; and have no 
confidence in the flesh ;" and according to the declaration of 
our Lord : " God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must 
worship Him in spirit and in truth ;" for such " the Father seeketh 
to worship Him." To offer acceptable worship, really and truly 
from the heart, it must undergo a change from its fallen, cor- 
rupt state. Everything proceeding from man, of himself, in 
this latter condition, must be impure, and cannot find accept- 
ance. No fountain, at the same time, sends forth sweet water 
and bitter. Eegeneration, under the powerful operation of the 
Holy Ghost and fire, was enforced ; that the heart being cleansed 
and sanctified, offerings, prepared by the High Priest of our 
profession, may be offered to Him who searcheth the heart, and 
will not look on iniquity or transgression. In the course of the 
communication, I had occasion to show the advantages of 
knowing our passions subjugated, and brought under the con- 
triting power of the Spirit of the Redeemer ; who prayed for 
the forgiveness of his enemies; that those who were not thus 
regulated, were often carried away with gusts of passion ; com- 
mitting acts of violence, which afterwards covered them with 
blushes and confusion ; but the true followers of Christ, when 
they were reviled, reviled not again ; and when persecuted, 
threatened not. I was told, afterwards, that an old man, who was 
present, was noted in the neighborhood for the uncommon vio- 
lence of his passion, and had disgraced himself on one or more 
occasions, by his conduct, when under the terrible influence of 
it. This meeting was rather a trying opportunity to me, and 
when closed, I desired Friends to remain. I endeavored to 



*140 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

awaken in them a just sense of the importance of their situation ; 
and of self-examination; whether the things of the world were 
too much engrossing their time and talents j that through Holy 
help, they might become lights in their neighborhood ; and sit- 
ting down together in humble dependence upon the Lord, be a 
means of drawing others to join with them ; their demeanor 
and the state of their spirits, holding forth the invitation : 
Come "That ye also may have fellowship with us ; and truly our 
fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ." 
The situation of the few Friends here, is very unfavorable for 
the right education of children. What society they have, is 
mostly with those by whom their principles are endangered; 
and their parents indulge them in dressing in a fashionable 
manner; so that there is little prospect of a meeting being 
sustained here with reputation. 

Tenth month 20th. We rode thirty miles to a house near 
South- Adams ; passing Lebanon Springs, and in sight of the 
Hancock settlement of the Shakers; many of whom we met on 
the road. Thence through Hancock village, Lanesborough, 
Cheshire Corner, and South Adams, where several factories 
are located, on a stream running to it. Having no guide, 
though we found the route readily, our pilgrimage felt a little 
lonely ; especially as we now entered a section of. country, where 
but little attention appeared to be paid, rightly to cultivate the 
mind, and raise it above the grovelling pursuits of earthly 
things. The superior advantages of the members in our own 
beloved city, where such various opportunities are afforded for 
improvement in every respect ; and where many are found 
availing themselves of these peculiar benefits, came into view; 
and while it warmed up feelings of strong attachment to many 
there, also raised desires that we might all duly prize our privi- 
leges, and be found putting shoulder to shoulder in the work 
of the Lord. I believe, if the younger members of our Society 
do heartily devote themselves to his cause, that a noble band 
will be raised up, from generation to generation, to exalt the 
testimonies and discipline given us to bear; and that the Lord 
will still make the place of his feet glorious amongst us. He 
will glorify the house of his glory, and dignify them that truly 
and steadfastly honor Him. 

Fourth-day 21st. Attended Hoosic Preparative Meeting held 
here, consisting of a small company who have resisted the in- 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 141 

fluence of Hicksism. The men are all, about or below the 
meridian of life, and do not appear to have had much experi- 
ence, though well disposed to maintain our principles. The 
service in the first meeting seemed to run against the state that 
considers itself whole and sound, as not needing a physician ; 
which can argue, and defend sound principles, and appear very 
knowing in spiritual things, while ignorant of itself. Such are 
very liable to be misled by the subtle deceiver, in his transfor- 
mations as an angel of light, and become instrumental in lead- 
ing others astray. " They that be whole need not a physician, 
but they that are sick." "I am not come to call the righteous 
bat sinners to repentance." It is only as we are willing to come 
to the light, that we can see our diseased and sinful state, and 
receive a disposition to apply to the Great Physician to be 
healed and cleansed of our maladies. This was pressed upon 
the audience, several of whom were not members ; as well as 
the dangers of the transformations of Satan, as a leader in re- 
ligious matters. The few Friends were encouraged to yield to 
the sanctifying power of Him, who is compared to a refiner of 
silver; that the dross and tin may be purged away, and they be 
prepared to offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord, and hold up a 
pure testimony to the blessed Truth in that place ; leading for- 
ward, as shepherds and shepherdesses, the flock in their charge. 
It was by no means a high day; but keeping low and speaking 
deliberately, I was sensible of being led in a path which the 
Master cast up, and which I believe was descriptive of the states 
of individuals present ; for which I felt peaceful and thankful. 
In the second meeting, I made some remarks, after the Queries, 
on the importance of rightly and faithfully maintaining the dis- 
cipline, as a means of preserving the body sound and healthy. 
We left a few books and tracts with several Friends, and in the 
afternoon rode fourteen miles to Ware's tavern, where we lodged 
and breakfasted. From this place we. proceeded to Hoosic 
Corners, eleven miles, and thence to the house of an elderly 
Friend in Pittstown, nine miles. He and his wife received 
and dined us kindly, and then piloted us over to Schaghticoke 
Point. In Pittstown, a pretty large meeting of Friends was 
held, before the separation ; but M. H. and his family are now 
nearly all that remain united to the Society. They have thirty 
miles to ride to South Adams, to attend the Monthly Meet- 
ing there, to which they belong; and eleven miles to Schaghti- 



142 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835, 

coke, to a small meeting of worship, held in a private house, 
but which is a branch of another Monthly Meeting ; no meet- 
ing of Friends being held at Pittstown. It is truly deplorable 
to witness the ravages of unsound principles through this part 
of New York Yearly Meeting ; and from the information re- 
ceived, as we pass along, many who did not at first approve of 
those principles, now advocate them ; and those who did, pro- 
gress still deeper in the dark mazes of infidelity. 

On sixth-day 23d, we held a meeting with the few Friends at 
Schaghticoke Point, in a private dwelling where they usually meet. 
Nearly all of them — about ten — appeared to be exemplary, and 
concerned to bring up their children in a consistent manner ; 
and, I thought, were under exercise, that they might be found 
in the discharge of their religious duties. The way opened to 
encourage them to put their trust in the Shepherd of Israel, 
and endeavor to do what their hands found to do in his ser- 
vice ; that they might be enabled to hold up a testimony to 
Truth in their neighborhood ; by which others might be drawn 
to join them in the same good work. We distributed some books 
among the young people ; and after dining, rode to Union vil- 
lage, fourteen miles, and put up at a tavern. Seventh-day rode 
twenty-six miles, to J. W.'s, near Bishop's Corners, in Granville. 
This Friend and wife removed, a few years since, from Dart- 
mouth, near New Bedford, Massachusetts ; they entertained us 
very pleasantly. 

On first-day 25th, attended their meeting, composed of about 
thirteen families, held in an upper room in an old tavern house, 
now a private dwelling. The accommodation is better than 
most private rooms, but the members contemplate building next 
year. It appears to me very desirable, that Friends who are 
turned out of their meeting-houses, should erect others as early 
as convenient. Young persons and strangers are more willing 
to attend a meeting held in a house appropriated exclusively 
for the purpose of Divine worship ; and to others, it feels more 
like assembling for that object. The meeting here was rather 
trying to me, from an apprehension that many are much im- 
mersed in the world. 

Dined at N. P.'s, where we had a little opportunity to en- 
courage him and his wife, who are at the head of the meeting, 
to labor to fulfil their duties as overseers of the flock, in bring- 
ing forward the young people, by their example, under the gov- 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 143 

eminent and yoke of Christ. Our friends J. "W. and wife 
piloted us, in the afternoon, over to Danby, when we put up 
at the house of a Friend. We passed the evening in agreeable 
conversation. It afforded an opportunity of entering upon 
some of those points which clash with the doctrines of Friends ; 
particularly in relation to the continuance of immediate revela- 
tion in the church of Christ. The Friend recited several in- 
stances of those who professed to have it on all occasions, but 
who afterwards made shipwreck of faith. I told him that I 
believed those who were most favored with it, would say the 
least of having it themselves ; but endeavoring to keep to its 
guidance, left it to their friends to feel and decide whether their 
services originated in that source ; that professors carrying any 
one point to an extreme, or making shipwreck of faith and a 
good profession, was no argument against the truth ; which 
lay out of all extremes; and we should be on our guard against 
suffering one error, or extreme, to drive us from the Truth, into 
another. I disapproved of all unauthorized and unsanctified 
pretensions ; but, at the same time, the immediate influence 
and guidance of the Holy Spirit, were the root and foundation 
of true faith, and the work of religion in the soul. It was to 
this the primitive believers were gathered ; the manifestation 
of the Spirit which is given to every man to profit withal ; and 
by which alone we can savingly understand the Holy Scriptures. 
Christ opened the understandings of his immediate disciples to 
comprehend the Scriptures ; and He does the same thing now, 
by his Spirit in the hearts of his believing children, as He sees 
fit for them ; and if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is 
none of his. It was so in the Apostolic church, and it remains 
to be the case still, and ever will so remain. He united with 
me, though at first he seemed disposed to bring into view the 
defections of some wild pretenders. I told him that the Ana- 
baptists of Munster, pretending to the authority of the Spirit 
for their wild actions, were sometimes cited by the opponents 
of revelation, to disprove its continuation in the church ; but 
that Eobert Barclay remarked, it was no more a valid argument 
against it, than that the reference of others to the Holy Scriptures, 
as authority for the many wrong deeds they have committed, 
destroys their truth and authenticity. On second-day morning, 
we held a meeting at Danby with the few members there, and 
some others who came in. The stream was low, which made 



144 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

the work laborious ; and after the meeting was over, it seemed 
as if nothing was gained,' and I felt discouraged. Just before 
setting out, the family came into the parlor, and through the 
gracious goodness of our Holy Helper, we had a tendering time 
with them. Soon after entering the house, 1 had been arrested 
with the impression that one of the daughters was brought 
under Divine visitation, and referring to it in this interview, it 
affected the parents and herself especially ; so that we had cause 
to thank Him, who mercifully regards us in our various condi- 
tions, and to take fresh courage to press forward. Eode sixteen 
miles to Clarendon, put up at a tavern, and early the fol- 
lowing morning set out again, and proceeded forty-one miles, 
and again lodged at a public house. 

On fourth-day morning, 28fch of tenth month, we reached the 
house of an elderly man at Ferrisburg, to whom we had been 
recommended. They kindly prepared us breakfast, and we at- 
tended the Monthly Meeting held at Monkton. Here I felt the 
situation of sitting in a company, every one of whom was 
a stranger to me. Endeavoring to retire in my mind, the lan- 
guage of sympathy and encouragement arrested me; and after 
a Friend had spoken, I rose with the declaration, "I will bring 
the blind by a way which they know not, and lead them in paths 
they have not known; I will make darkness light before them, 
and crooked things straight ; this will I do unto them, and not 
forsake them, saith the Lord." The stream of consolation 
flowed gently towards some present, and we had cause of thank- 
fulness to the Leader of Israe^ for favoring with a little opening 
of this kind, for our own comfort and strength, as well as that 
of others. We were at first, as completely strangers to them, as 
they were to us. Finding that a Preparative Meeting of Min- 
isters and Elders was to be held next day at Starksborough, and 
their Monthly Meeting on sixth-day, we went there. 

Attended the select meeting ; in which after the business was 
nearly finished, way opened to show that every gift was de- 
rived from Him, " who ascended up on high, led captivity captive, 
and gave gifts unto men :" that no man could make himself a 
minister; nor could he exercise the gift after receiving it, but 
under the direction of Him who gave it; and for this he must 
bo exercised in patient waiting ; and when any thing is given 
him of the Lord, he is not to be hasty in offering it ; as G-eorge 
Fox remarked, when a man receiveth any thing from the Lord, 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 145 

he keepeth it andwaiteth to feel the Lord's power go forth over 
the assembly. As a minister thus waits, he will be furnished, 
if the great Master calls upon him to minister to the people, 
with sufficient clearness to rise, and a word will be put into his 
mouth ; and when he does speak, he should keep calm and de- 
liberate, out of all excitement ; communicating that which is 
opened to his mind by Him, who alone knoweth what is neces- 
sary for the states of the people. 

The house of our kind and intelligent friend, where we were 
entertained, was an agreeable lodging-place to us ; the influence 
of education and suitable reading, in expanding the mind, 
divesting it of many illiberal, contracted notions, was visible 
here. But in too many cases, we find Friends, of sufficient 
means, who have neglected the education of their children very 
much; or, after having given them small portions, do not pro- 
vide them with suitable books, to employtheir leisure hours, 
in storing their minds with useful and instructive ideas. Labor 
for our subsistence, is unquestionably necessary j but we may 
slide into the habit of pursuing our worldly concerns with such 
avidity, as to lose all relish for mental improvement ; and for 
those things which are invisible and eternal. When old age 
overtakes this description of persons, they have few objects of 
thought and conversation, but the little round of worldly con- 
cerns, which have engrossed their time and attention for many 
years ; but little interest in anything beyond their own affairs; 
and for want of having been engaged to lay up treasure in hea- 
ven, are often destitute of any ability to promote the welfare 
of religious society, and the advancement of the testimonies of 
Truth. Their example tends to lead those around them into 
the same worldly pursuits; and thus, instead of being the salt 
of the earth, and lights in the world, they prove stumbling- 
blocks to sincere enquirers after Truth, and blind guides to the 
youth in the Society. Such persons are objects of commiser- 
ation and regret. These are subjects that ought to call forth 
the energies of the Society; not only in a fervent concern for the 
religious welfare of the young people, but in adopting pro- 
per measures for their guarded school education ; visiting them 
in their families, and endeavoring to elevate their minds by fuiv 
nishing suitable libraries in the Preparative Meetings. 



146 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 



CHAPTEE VII. 

1835—1836. 

Continuation of visit to Friends in New York and Vermont — Returns Home 
— Engages in a Periodical Publication of the Approved Writings of 
Friends — Attends the Yearly Meeting in New York — Religious visit to Ohio 
Yearly Meeting, and the Meetings belonging to it in the Western part of 
Pennsylvania. 

On sixth-day, I attended the Monthly Meeting of Starks- 
borough ; composed of Montpelier, Lincoln, Creek and Starks- 
borough Particular Meetings. No separation has taken place 
in this Monthly Meeting, and it is large. A feeling of solemn 
silence spread over us early after sitting down ; and it ap- 
peared to be my place to address the younger classes, whose 
minds were measurably seasoned with Divine love; to show 
them that the work of Grace was gradual and progressive. 
The figure of the preparation of the clay, by pulverizing, water- 
ing and softening, preparatory to forming vessels ; and the pro- 
cess of drying and burning, before they are fit to receive what 
they are designed to contain, was opened before me in a lively 
manner. The further necessity of enduring the baptisms, which 
shall be administered from time to time, to keep the vessel 
clean, was also affectionately held up to their view. He that 
puts forth, graciously furnished with matter adapted to the 
occasion ; and another Friend followed in short testimony, con- 
firmatory of what had been offered. We then proceeded to the 
business of the Monthly Meeting, which kept us a long time. 
That evening we rode, through rain, and after dark, to Monk- 
ton. 

Tenth month 31st, seventh-day. Held a meeting here with 
the few Friends which compose it. It was a cold, unfeeling 
time ; I was able to come at nothing like an evidence, that it 
was my place to say anything ; though there were some pre- 
sentations which died away, and we closed in silence. It may 
be a trial to call Friends together, and pass the whole time 
without having anything to communicate ; but He only that 
seeth in secret knows what is best; and it is our place to stand 
submissive to his will. Friends may become so habituated to 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 147 

hear words, that they may depend too much upon them ; and 
then the mouths of ministers may be closed; to show the neces- 
sity of every one laboring for himself, and maintaining a con- 
stant dependence upon the Minister of the Sanctuary. I felt 
low through the afternoon, thinking that the fault might be in 
myself, and that I may not have kept sufficiently humble, under 
the favors which have been conferred on us in this visit. I 
looked at the feelings of my mind, on requesting the notice of 
the meeting to be given, and remembered that they were then 
clear and settled ; and could not now charge myself with wil- 
fully omitting to speak in the meeting. Hoping that it might 
be in the Divine ordering, I settled down under the desire to 
bear whatever might be my place, and to endeavor to profit by 
the various changes which our Holy Leader may see proper. 
We had a little opportunity with the family where we dined ; 
in which the children were much tendered. They were invited 
to take up the cross and follow their Lord and Master ; who 
would strengthen them, as they yielded to Him, to deny them- 
selves of whatever He called them to give up. Attended Fer- 
risburg Meeting on first-day morning. Here we had a laborious 
time; under a sense that very few were engaged to labor for 
themselves, depending on what they may hear from others ; yet 
there are a number who appear sincerely desirous to know the 
Truth, and to live under its direction. 

In conversation with a man who had travelled but little, and 
who was not a little contracted in his views of others, I was led to 
the reflection, that where people are delving in the earth all 
their lives, and paying scarcely any attention to the improve- 
ment and enlargement of their minds, they possess little qualifi- 
cation to judge of others. They try everything by their own 
standard, which is formed according to the limited sphere they 
move in ; and for want of knowing, either by intercourse with 
others, or reading, the great variety of habits which prevails 
among people equally pious, they often censure what differs 
from their customs; and conclude that those who so differ are 
influenced by pride. This is especially obvious, where the heart 
has not been softened by the Spirit of the Eedeemer, and 
brought to see its own deformity, and thence clothed with 
Divine charity. True religion effects wonderful changes in us ; 
while it clothes us with proper love and allowance for others, it 
erects a standard, founded upon the purity and simplicity of the 



148 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

gospel of Christ ; and neither condemns for those distinctions, 
which arise from mere difference of education ; nor admits of 
those varieties which spring from and foster pride in the human 
heart, and are inconsistent with the Truth. 

The abolition of slavery is a subject which engrosses much 
thought and conversation in these parts; and it appeared to me, 
that Friends are drawn into coalition with others in their mea- 
sures to effect this object, more than is best for them. Ever since 
we cleared our hands of slavery, Friends have advocated the 
freedom of the blacks on principle; but if we enter into alliances 
with others, we may find before we expect it, that some measures 
will be proposed, which will violate other principles that we 
hold equally dear; or in their operation, land us in circumstances 
which will not admit of our union with others, if we retain the 
character of consistent Friends. I believe we had better pursue 
our own course, under the direction of Divine Wisdom, in pro- 
moting the spread of the Bedeemer's kingdom ; and by lives of 
strict conformity to his benign precepts, we should be lights to 
others ; and offer the most effectual stimulus to them, to go and 
do likewise. Each denomination would be likely to act accord- 
ing to the light it possesses, and they would mutually stimulate 
one another to zeal and diligence. 

On the following morning, we attended a meeting appointed 
for us at the Creek, formerly South Starksborough. The sub- 
ject of living and walking in the Truth, by which we partake 
of the greatest blessing in this life, was opened; and the means 
placed Within the reach of all, explained, as laid down in the 
Scripture doctrine ; that the true Light enlighteneth every man 
that cometh into the world. And " This is the condemnation, 
that light is come into the world; and men loved darkness 
rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every 
one that doeth evil, hateth the light; neither cometh to the 
light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth 
truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made mani- 
fest that they are wrought in God." I was led to show that 
this Divine light convicted us of sin, and brought condemna- 
tion and shame upon us for it ; that, if received in its visitations, 
it gives strength to resist temptation, and to come out of our 
evil practices, and enlist under the government of Christ. But 
by resisting its convictions, and the offers of love and mercy, 
the heart becomes more and more hardened ; and at last might 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 149 

reach that condition in which we may deny that these convic- 
tions proceed from the Holy Spirit striving with man, and come 
to attribute them to mere imagination. It felt to me that 
there were those there, who were unbelievers in Divine revela- 
tion, and the truths of the gospel of Christ; and I believed it 
right to say, that if any persisted in denying and rejecting the 
strivings of the Holy Spirit, throughout the day of visitation, 
they would be left in darkness. 

After dining, we rode to the house of a minister, and in 
conversation, he expressed his satisfaction that some points had 
been opened, as they were, in the meeting. He said a young 
man and his father were present, who were known to deny im- 
mediate revelation. The young man had been clerk of their Pre- 
parative Meeting, and was displaced, and a minute made on its 
records, that it was in consequence of his unsound principles. 

On Eleventh month 4tb, fourth-day, we attended the Select 
Quarterly Meeting held at Lincoln, which was a dull time. At 
the close, I mentioned my apprehension, that Friends joining 
others in Anti-slavery and Temperance Societies, would be at- 
tended with injury to them and the young people ; their spirit- 
ual strength would be impaired ; and it did appear to me not 
proper, that our ministers should attend such places It was true, 
we had our individual rights, and the Society had not prohibited 
it; but I feared it would affect their growth in the life of Truth. 

We went to the Meeting for Discipline, which gathered very 
irregularly and late ; so that it seemed hardly probable we 
should have much solemnity very soon. After a Friend had 
made some observations, showing the necessity of feeling our 
own inability to do any good work; though my feelings indi- 
cated little like communicating anything, the testimony of the 
Apostle, that "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but 
mighty through God, to the pulling down strongholds," &c, had 
presented; and recurring with some weight, I rose with it, 
and endeavored to show that the weapons of the Christian's 
warfare remained the same at this day; and any that man 
could invent or use, in his own wisdom and strength, would not 
prove mighty through God, to the pulling down of the strong- 
holds of sin, either in himself or in others; that Christ alono 
could clothe us with the " armor of God," by which we were to 
make war in righteousness against the man of sin and son of 
perdition. These weapons were to cast down all imaginations 
11 



150 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

of self-importance, and every high thing, however specious, that 
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; bringing into 
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. In the first 
place, experiencing this, in measure, effected in ourselves, we 
should be prepared to be used in his hand to promote it in 
others; and whatever might have been our attainments, it is 
necessary to be frequently stripped and searched, that we may 
be found in a situation to be renewedly clothed with this armor. 
Satan could transform himself into the appearance of an angel 
of light ; and unless every thought of our own importance and 
ability was brought into obedience to Christ, we might be de- 
ceived and led into things which would not advance the Redeem- 
er's kingdom. Even those who had known the sword of the 
Spirit unsheathed against the trangressing nature, and in good 
degree gained the victory over it, may be deceived if they do 
not abide in lowly watchfulness before the Lord ; for the beast 
had seven heads and ten crowns ; and after being wounded, its 
deadly wound was healed. I was also led to show that the 
church of Christ was compared to a body having many mem- 
bers ; each of which has its function to perform. As we kept 
our places in the body, every one eyeing the Head, and receiv- 
ing direction from Him, we should be preserved from interfer- 
ing with each other's duties ; Ephraim would not envy Juclah, 
nor would Judah vex Ephraim. When any felt the Spirit of 
the Lord stirring in them, as in the camp of Dan ; or as fire 
shut up in their bones; after waiting patiently his time, they 
were to deliver in his fear, what He gave them to communicate ; 
and that which was brought forth under right authority, would 
raise the life in others, who were keeping their places. There 
were those whose voices were not frequently heard, but who 
maintained a steadfast travail of spirit, that all might be pre- 
served in the right exercise of their gifts, and a harmonious 
action together. These were like ballast in a vessel. Several 
views were taken of the subject ; and the young people encour- 
aged to keep under exercise, and to be faithful to the Lord's re- 
quirings. A solemn covering spread over the meeting. But 
little was said to the Queries and Answers by any one. I made 
a few remarks, in which a Friend united, on the disadvantage 
of retaining persons in membership, merely because they re- 
quested ; after they had transgressed the discipline. We often 
found that such were of very little use to the Society ; and if their 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 151 

principles were unsound, it gave them greater opportunity to 
spread the infection by mingling with the members. 

Next day attended the meeting for public worship there ; 
which is still held by this Quarter. In the afternoon returned 
to Starksborough, to the house of our very kind friends, J. and 
L. B., where we lodged. 

Eleventh month 7th. Set off this morning early, in company 
with our friend C. S., and wife and daughter, for his residence 
near M'ontpelier ; the weather being wet, and part of the road 
bad, made the ride uncomfortable. Notice having been spread, a 
number of respectable-looking people assembled with Friends, at 
their first-day meeting. It appeared to be my place to hold up 
the doctrine of the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit; and 
that those who, through its converting power, became the 
adopted children of our Heavenly Father, are drawn to pray 
for its assistance and preservation, day by day ; that according 
to the language of our Saviour, "If ye being evil, know how to 
give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your 
Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." 
The subject opened in various ways; both in relation to the uni- 
versality of the gift of Grace ; its various operations in baptiz- 
ing the soul, as fire to purge away its defilements, and render it 
fit to offer acceptable worship to God ; and also as to the medi- 
ation of the Lord Jesus, by whom it is communicated. I 
thought, however, that the stream did not rise as at some other 
times; yet the people were very still and attentive. I could 
not see that I had made any mistake, unless it was in rising 
too early ; but of this I could feel no conviction ; and yet I was 
brought low, so that I took little satisfaction in the company 
of Friends. 

Second-day, 9th. We rode forty-three miles to Burlington, 
on Lake Champlain ; put up at an inn, and the following morn- 
ing, placing carriage and horses on a steamboat, we landed 
them at Port Kent, on the opposite shore; where we were 
joined by a Friend, and then proceeded in the steamboat to Grand 
Isle, where a meeting had been appointed for us, to be held at 
half-past eleven o'clock. Through detention, the boat did not 
arrive until after twelve. We took a wagon, and at once rode 
two miles to the meeting-house, where we found a number of 
women convened, and some men, waiting for us. We sat down 
with them; several more came in, and after some time of wait- 



152 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

ing upon the Lord, the subject of love to God and to our bro- 
ther was presented; and help was mercifully near, to qualify for 
the service. First-days' experience made me renewedly sensi- 
ble, that the gospel cannot be preached, but as the Master con- 
descends to open and furnish matter, and accompany it with 
his baptizing power ; and I felt very desirous of doing nothing 
but what He should direct. In this humble state, one thing 
was opened after another ; and prayer and thanksgiving arose, 
for the continuance of his Divine presence, and aid in the work 
which He appoints. When the boat returned from St. Albans, 
we went on board, landed at Port Kent, and taking horses and 
carriage, reached Peru after dark. 

Fourth-day 11th. Attended the usual week-day meeting here, 
and was distressed with the indifference of many. It seemed 
as if not a few have contracted the habit of looking for preach- 
ing, and neglecting their own business of seeking for sustenance 
for themselves. About time to close the meeting it appeared 
proper to bring into view the object for which we assemble ; 
which is to wait upon the Lord, and to feel after him, if happily 
we may find Him ; but if we pass the time in thinking our 
own thoughts, suffering the mind to range abroad among the 
objects of our worldly pursuits, we may come and go without 
receiving any benefit. I endeavored to relieve my mind 
amongst them. We have now got through the meetings of Fer- 
risburg Quarter, with the exception of Farnham, a meeting in 
Canada, which we could not visit in time to reach Saratoga Quar- 
ter. There are many goodly, well-concerned Friends in this part 
of the Society, who are desirous of maintaining our religious 
principles and discipline ; but it appears to me, that there is too 
much fondness for words; and some, without authority, under- 
take to exercise the office of the ministry. Wherever there is 
a fondness for speaking and hearing, there will be danger that 
a sound judgment will not be exercised, in suppressing forward, 
active persons, who would intrude themselves into this sacred 
office. Hence a spurious ministry grows up, and the people love 
to have it so, rather than endure silence in our religious meet- 
ings. By this means, instead of being seasons of solemnity, 
imparting spiritual strength, the mind is vacant, uneasy and 
listless. Many seem to be very ignorant of the nature of re- 
ligious exercise; and the practice of thus assembling, is in dan- 
ger of becoming a mere form. If the habit of public speaking 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 153 

without life is promoted, a multitude of such preachers may be 
spread over the Society, ministering death; and leading the 
members away from the place of true waiting and feeding, into 
a restless desire after words ; which will never build any on the 
most holy faith, nor strengthen them against one sin. Such 
find that speaking smooth things pleases their hearers, who 
will caress them for their fair speeches, and extol them as fine 
preachers ; while the true minister, who cannot flinch from 
speaking the truth, will feel that his testimony is not relished, 
and a secret prejudice is indulged against him. But there are 
in almost every meeting, some painful travellers, who under- 
stand the language of the Spirit, and rejoice to find others 
speaking the same thing, and walking in the same tribulated 
path. These will salute each other as brethren and sisters, and 
rejoice in the fellowship of the Gospel ; and a secret satisfac- 
tion is felt in having been instrumental in visiting the seed. 

Before leaving our lodgings, I had a little opportunity with 
the family ; in which I affectionately pressed the necessity of 
living loose to the world and its gratifications, and following 
the Lord .Jesus, under the subjecting power of the cross. The 
general simplicity of their children was a pleasant sight ; and 
they were encouraged to join with their parents, in faithfully 
giving up to the requisitions of Truth, so that they might be- 
come lights in the world, and living members of the body of 
Christ ; prepared for usefulness in his church. Left there be- 
tween nine and ten o'clock, and rode about eighteen miles to a 
tavern, and dined, on our way to Queensbury, about one hundred 
miles distant from Peru. Our course lay through a mountainous, 
rude country, many parts of it little settled, or capable of much 
improvement ; and the road, in some places, extremely bad, being- 
very rocky, and the logged parts decayed, which made it very 
jolting. That night and the next, we lodged at taverns ; and 
on seventh-day afternoon, got safely to Queensbury, where we 
put up at the house of a Friend. 

At the time of the division, Friends, for the sake of holding 
their meetings peaceably, assembled in the afternoon of first- 
day, though their members were about equal in number with 
the Separatists. We attended the meeting, and from our feel- 
ings, thought a disadvantage sustained by assembling at that 
hour. It seemed difficult to come at much lively feeling, or a 
clearness of what vas proper to be done; not feeling easy to 



154 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

leave t e meeting without bringing into view, the blessing of 
being brought under a right exercise of mind for the salvation 
of our own souls ; and the still greater favor, of being kept 
under it from day to day. I was enabled to speak to the states, 
as I apprehended, of some present, who had suffered their minds 
to be drawn aside from pursuing those things which they had 
seen, in the light of Truth, belong to their everlasting peace. 
The fire was to be kept constantly burning on the altar, under 
the law ; and it is necessary, under the G-ospel, to have the fire 
of Divine love daily replenished in the heart, that we may be 
qualified to offer acceptable sacrifices to God, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, the Great High Priest of our profession. I 
felt very desirous, in using plainness of speech to some present, 
that it might be under that unction, which will open the heart to 
receive and acknowledge the truth of what is said ; and that 
this description of service, which represents the defects of 
professors, may be evidently a work of necessity and not of 
choice. 

On third-day attended the Select Quarterly Meeting, in which 
some ability was granted to encourage those who meet in the 
little companies which constitute the meetings of this Quarter, 
to keep faithfully to religious exercise, and the support of their 
meetings. Friends were few in the beginning; but by faithful- 
ness and steadfast dependence upon the Lord, they were in- 
creased in number and strength ; and so, by the same means, in 
the present day, the few who keep their places, may be like the 
roots of a new growth among us. 

The Quarterly Meeting was now again composed of the mem- 
bers of Easton and Saratoga, by conclusion of the Yearly Meet- 
ing ; the latter having been instituted a Quarterly Meeting out 
of the former. This was the first time they again met in con- 
nection. On the subject of education, and the perusal of the 
Holy Scriptures, I made a few remarks, tending to enforce the 
duty of parents to watch over and rightly educate their off- 
spring; exampling them in bearing the daily cross, and instruct- 
ing them to yield to the influences of the Spirit of Christ in their 
own hearts; which would lead them into self-denial, and to love 
to read the records of the experiences of holy men of old, and 
the doctrines of Christ and his Apostles. It is the custom here 
to hold a meeting for public worship ; the weather being very 
dark and foggy, it was not so large as usual. The forepart was 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 155 

heavy, and I think I have scarcely ever been kept in more 
suspense respecting my duty, as for a long time in this meeting ; 
but believing it unsafe to attempt to move, until greater clear- 
ness, though several presentations were made to my mind, I kept 
still and inward. After a Friend had delivered a short testi- 
mony, the way appeared to open ; and through the Lord's good- 
ness and condescension, matter was furnished, and the sol- 
emnizing power of Truth spread over the meeting. Strong 
desires prevailed in my mind, that all present might, through 
submission to the washings of regeneration, and by the precious 
blood of Christ, be found amongst the multitude that surround 
the throne of the Lord God, and the Lamb ; who shall ascribe 
blessing and honor, thanksgiving and high renown to Him that 
hath redeemed them. We parted from many of our friends in 
near affection. 

Eleventh month 20th. Attended a meeting appointed at 
Greenfield ; at the interment of a minister. It was composed 
of a great mixture. The prophetic description of the Messiah : 
"Unto us a child is born, unto us aSon is given, and the gov- 
ernment shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called 
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, 
and The Prince of Peace ;" and the testimony of Peter, that 
there was no other name, under heaven, given amongst men 
whereby we must be saved ; also that of Paul, that he had 
fought the good fight, kept the faith, &c, were brought into 
view, and salvation by faith in the Son and Sent of God, and 
obedience to Him, preached to the company. It came before 
me also, to warn the believers in Christ, who were present, of 
the dangerous influence of infidelity, and not to touch it in any 
manner ; and in describing the awful consequences of it, I re- 
ferred to the testimony of Christ, that those who heard his 
sayings and did them not, were building on a foundation that 
would fail ; and that the hope of the infidel would be no better 
than that of the hypocrite, &c. A Friend informed us afterwards, 
that some unbelievers were present. That evening we reached 
a tavern, lodged, and early the following morning, (seventh- 
day,) proceed to Providence, where we attended an appointed 
meeting. The doctrine of unconditional predestination was 
controverted ; its effect to settle in fatal security, those who 
imagined themselves of the elect, but were living in sin ; and the 
tendency to despair, or to neglect their salvation, in those who 



156 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

were tempted to suppose they were reprobated from all eternity, 
were exposed; and the universal love of God to all mankind, 
in providing the means for their reconciliation, by sending his 
beloved Son into the world, to offer himself a sacrifice for their 
sins, and furnishing them with the gift of Divine Grace, to 
effect their regeneration, was advocated. The people were quiet 
and very attentive. Several Calvanistic Baptists were present, 
as we were afterwards told by a Friend. 

In the afternoon, we rode to Ballston, eighteen miles, and 
put up at a tavern. 

22d, First-day morning. Rose early and rode to W. C.'s, at 
Half Moon, to breakfast. He and his family received and en- 
tertained us very kindly. Their first-day meetings commence 
at two P. M., in consequence of the Separatists keeping the 
house in the forenoon. We sat long in silence ; until I supposed 
we should separate as we came ; but the expression, "The race 
is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong;" but they that 
hold out to the end shall be saved; having frequently revived 
and presented, I was fearful of leaving the place without com- 
municating it; and holding up to view, that those who had be- 
gun well, but again turned aside, became stumbling-blocks, and 
brought reproach upon the religion they had professed. We 
passed the evening in agreeable conversation, and closed it with 
reading a portion of the Scriptures; and endeavoring to enlist 
the young people in the service of their Lord, that they might 
experience preservation from the snares that abound in the 
world, and be prepared to fill up their stations in the church. 

Eleventh month 23d, second-day morning. Rode through 
snow, twenty miles, to Albany ; dined there, and proceeded on 
our way, seven miles, towards Middlebury Monthly Meeting, in 
Duanesburg Quarter, and then stopped at an inn. The road 
being covered eight inches with snow, made travelling heavy 
and difficult. 

The Quarterly Meeting of Saratoga, though increased by the 
reunion of Easton, is not large. There are sound, judicious 
members ; and some who, though not possessing much experi- 
ence, appear to be devoted to the cause and testimonies of 
Truth. But, like other parts of the Society, too many are en- 
grossed in their worldly concerns, and do not come forward 
with that strength and clearness, which entire dedication to the 
Master would effect. 



1335.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 157 

24th. "We rose early, and riding twelve miles through the 
snow, in which we crossed the mountain called the Haldeburg, 
we stopped at an inn, breakfasted, and then proceeded to Peter 
Stover's, in Berne. The snow being deep and frozen, and the 
road not fully broken, the prospect of travelling, in this moun- 
tainous country, looked very discouraging. Arriving at the 
house of a Friend was very pleasant, after being at taverns ; 
and especially so, to find he was willing to take us in a sleigh 
to Middlebury Monthly Meeting ; by which our horses could 
rest. Enquiry being made by our host, whether we wished to 
have a meeting appointed, and proposing a small meeting-house 
near, I told him, as Friends meet in his house to hold their 
little meeting on first-day, I was willing to sit with them, and 
such of their near neighbors as they were disposed to invite, in 
the evening. About six o'clock, they began to collect ; and, to 
our surprise, two sitting-rooms were filled by strangers. A 
preacher of another profession, who had appointed a meeting in 
the above-mentioned house, finding but few coming to hear, 
him, proposed to them to go to Peter Stover's ; and they ac- 
cordingly came. Our religious principles, on the subject of 
regeneration, Divine worship, preaching and praying, were 
opened to the people; and they affectionately invited to come 
to Christ, and take his yoke upon them, and learn of Him. 
They were also cautioned against seeking the living among the 
dead ; either in the lifeless forms which man has invented, or 
in any creaturely exertions, which they can perform in their 
own time and strength. Public vocal prayer always appears to 
me a very solemn act, in which I have felt a reluctance to engage ; 
but feeling the spirit of supplication, I yielded to it, and have 
rarely known sweeter access to the Throne of Grace than on 
this occasion. 

Eleventh month 25th. Attended Middlebury Monthly Meet- 
ing ; which was quite small. The view of such a remnant con- 
vened in that capacity, was disheartening; but it seemed to be 
my place to endeavor to strengthen Friends in the faithful dis- 
charge of their religious duties ; that they might hold up a good 
light to others ; and that the ark of the testimony may not fall 
to the ground amongst them. 

Though it appeared improbable, when riding through the 
heavy snow, that we should be able to attend Coeymans Month- 
ly Meeting, yet we rose very early on fifth-day morning, and 



158 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

Egbert Stover and wife, Smith Upton — who had joined us at 
the Quarterly Meeting — and myself, got into their sleigh, and 
Joseph Snowden drove the carriage ; and we reached the house 
of a Friend, near the meeting-house, about an hour before the 
time. The sensations that spread over my mind in this meet- 
ing, indicated the want of a lively, daily exercise in some 
present, to experience the work of the soul's salvation to pro- 
gress, as time was passing away; by which they would be 
qualified to engage in the Lord's cause, and rightly to manage 
the concerns of the church. Instead of which, a disposition 
prevailed to procrastinate, and defer this all-important work to a 
future day, when their worldly business would admit of laying 
hold of it ; trusting that then it could be entered into, and ef- 
fected with more convenience, and with dispatch. The warn- 
ing of the Apostle was revived : "If the righteous scarcely be 
saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?" and if 
judgment begin at the house of God, ""What shall the end be 
of them that obey not the gospel of G-od?" showing that the 
salvation of the soul was not so light a thing, and so easily ac- 
complished, as some might be persuading themselves. Some 
appeared to be affected. When we entered on the business of 
the Monthly Meeting, the representatives appointed to their 
late Quarterly Meeting reported, that none of them attended ; 
and but one could offer an excuse; which afforded proof of 
the want of a lively zeal for the cause of Truth, and the sup- 
port of the discipline. If those who take part in the affairs of 
the discipline at home, and make a plain appearance, can lightly 
disregard their duty, when it may require a little sacrifice of 
time and labor to perform it, the younger members must imbibe 
the idea, that the concerns of religious society are of secondary 
importance to their worldly profits ; and thus such unfaithful 
members may stumble others, and be the means of spreading 
spiritual death in the camp. 

Lodged at Thomas Bedell's ; and on Eleventh month 27th, 
sixth-day morning, rode about thirty-eight miles to little Nine 
Partners ; having crossed the North Eiver at Hudson ; and the 
following morning, reached the residence of our very kind and 
affectionate friends, Smith and Sarah M. Upton. In being favored 
to return thus far from this little journey, gratitude and thank- 
fulness to our Heavenly Father, covered my mind ; for the 
preservation of health and our safet} 7 from casualty, and for 



1835.1 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 159 

the unmerited extension of the aid of his Holy Spirit, to dis- 
charge what appeared to be required duty ; though a sense of 
frailty and unprofitableness as a servant, was felt to appertain 
to the poor, unworthy creature. But it is a mercy and favor 
to be able to call Him, Father ; and to look up unto Him with 
humble, sincere desire, that He will still grant wisdom and 
strength to do the work assigned ; and keep us in the way He 
would have us to go. And I believe, He will keep, by his own 
power, for the sake of his beloved Son, those who thus rely on 
Him alone ; and desire to be daily humbled, under a conviction 
of their own helplessness to preserve themselves. 

Eleventh month 29th. Being first-day, we attended the 
meeting at the Creek: and in the afternoon set off in a sleigh, 
our kind friend Asa Upton accompanying us, for Canaan ; a 
small remnant of Friends residing there, who hold a meeting 
once or twice a month, with the aid of a committee of Mne 
Partners Monthly Meeting. Lodged that evening at E. C.'s ; and 
early on second-day morning, set out again ; and between twelve 
and one o'clock, reached the residence of one of the Friends. 
In the evening, we held a meeting at a Friend's house, com- 
posed of a few members, and several Methodists and others. 
The people expressed satisfaction with the visit ; but to me it 
was a shallow time ; there seemed a necessity to utter many 
things which presented, but the life-giving virtue, according to 
my feelings, but sparingly attended. Asa Upton observing me 
to appear depressed, enquired the cause ; and when I told him 
it was a low time, he replied, it exceeded his expectation so 
much, he was concluding it was a time of favor. Lodged there ; 
rose before day on third-day morning ; returned to our ancient 
Friend, E. C.'s, where we dined; and after a little opportunity, 
in which encouragement was offered to trust in the never-fail- 
ing Helper of his people ; who, having been with his children 
in six troubles, will not forsake them in the seventh ; we pro- 
ceeded towards the Creek. On our way, we stopped half an 
hour at the mansion of our late honored friend and father in 
the Truth, Henry Hull, to take leave of his widow ; to whom 
the language of sympathy was extended. "We were permitted 
to unite together in a sense of the continued protection of our 
Heavenly Father surrounding us, his unworthy, but dependent 
creatures. Drank tea with A. Upton and wife; and after spend- 
ing most of the evening, took an affectionate leave; and re- 



160 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

joined our friends S. and S. M. Upton, at their hospitable 
mansion. The kindness of these beloved Friends, in various 
ways, has been marked, and esteemed by me as an evidence 
of the propriety of this little journey ; inasmuch as the unity 
of the brethren and sisterhood, does prove that the Great Head 
owns a concern, by leading his children to own one another. 

Twelfth month 2d. We parted from our beloved Creek 
friends with much affection; and having Paul Upton, as guide, 
we rode twelve miles ; and attended the little meeting at Os- 
wego. Here the stream of sympathy and consolation, was 
again opened towards the faithful few, who are endeavoring 
to maintain a public confession of their allegiance to the King 
of kings; who, we did believe, would sustain and strengthen 
their hands, as they maintained the Christian warfare; and 
would grant a crown of life to all that are faithful unto death. 

3d. Proceeded on our way to Salem, in Purchase Quarter. 

Twelfth month 4th. We had a meeting at a Friend's house, 
in the morning ; with his family, his son-in-law and daughter, 
and a few of the neighbors ; the principal part of Salem Meeting 
having joined the ranks of the Separatists. It was a satisfac- 
tory opportunity to them and to us. In the afternoon, went to 
a Friend's, near Croton Valley Meeting-house; and in the even- 
ing, the remaining members of that meeting convened at this 
Friend's house, where they usually hold their meeting for wor- 
ship. The necessity of laboring for daily spiritual sustenance, 
and becoming willing to endure the hardships and privations 
attendant on this militant state, in order that we may grow in 
the Divine life, and be qualified for service in the church, were 
held forth to their view. 

5th. Rode over to Amawalk, and attended a meeting ap- 
pointed there. The condescension and goodness of the Blessed 
Head of the church were manifest, in furnishing renewed quali- 
fication to preach his everlasting gospel of conversion and re- 
generation ; the object whereof is, to fit us for that kingdom 
into which nothing impure can enter. The disposition which 
has ever existed in man, to clothe himself with his own right- 
eousness, was brought into view. The prophet Isaiah, under a 
sense of the degeneracy of the Jews, while they were pluming 
themselves with their outward observances, declared, "All our 
righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Our Lord told his hearers, 
that " Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 161 

of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the king- 
dom of heaven." They neglected the weightier matters of the 
law; judgment, mercy and faith; while they paid tithe of mint, 
and anise, and cummin; these ought they to have done, and not 
to leave the other undone. It was easy to practise these out- 
ward things, without any cross or mortification ; and indeed by 
them, to gain popularity amongst men. Paul told the believers, 
that it was " Not by works of righteousness which we have 
done, but according to his mercy, He saved us ; by the washing of 
regeneration, and the renewing, of the Holy G-host ; which He 
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." The 
Holy Spirit, in the revelations made to John, reproved the 
church of Laodicea, for trusting to their own righteousness : 
l - Because thou say est, I am rich, and increased with goods, and 
have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched, 
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked ; 1 counsel thee to 
buy of me gold, tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich ; and 
white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and that the shame 
of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with 
eye salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke 
and chasten." I felt very low in going into the meeting ; and, 
fearful of moving, when these things opened before me ; but at 
last thought it best to rise, with some introductory remarks on 
the high value of the Holy Scriptures, given by inspiration, and 
providentially preserved to us ; and while we were justly enter- 
taining such an esteem for them, it was necessary to examine 
whether our lives and conduct corresponded with the precious 
precepts and doctrines therein inculcated. It was a solemn op- 
portunity. 

The 6th, being first-day, attended the meeting at Peekskill. 
Here the necessity was enforced of submitting to that baptism 
and cup of suffering, which our blessed Lord partook of, accord, 
ing to our respective measures, and the dispensations of hiu 
wisdom ; if we expect to participate in the glory, and honoi, 
and dignity, which appertain to Him and to his cause. No- 
thing in which man could glory, attended the little service thai 
appeared to be required. Such changes, from one day to an- 
other, sometimes try our faith and perseverance ; but, I believe, 
they are essential, to empty the vessel and to cut off all glory- 
ing before God. 

7th. Had an appointed meeting at Croton, with the few re- 



162 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1835. 

maining members, and some others. The encouraging declara- 
tion of our Lord, that "■ If two of you shall agree on earth, as 
touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them 
of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are 
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of 
them;" presented to my mind; and led the way to encourage 
the little remnant, with the belief that their Lord would regard 
them in their faithful endeavors to serve Him, and to uphold a 
testimony to his name and goodness ; and would minister to 
their needs, by the blessed influences of his Spirit. An invi- 
tation was also held out to the wanderers, to embrace the visi- 
tation of Divine love; which seeks to save that which is lost; 
as exemplified in the lost sheep, and the prodigal. It was a 
comfortable opportunity ; in which I had cause for thankful- 
ness to Him, who opens and shuts, when He pleases. C. U. and 
wife met us at this meeting, and piloted us that evening to their 
house, at Chappaqua. 

8th. At Chappaqua Meeting, we were again favored with 
the presence of our Divine Master ; qualifying to open the need 
we have of dispensations of humiliation ; by which the earth 
and the heavens are shaken, so that those things which cannot 
be shaken, may remain ; that we may be preserved from sink- 
ing into earthlimindedness, and through the purging operations 
of that Word, which is as a fire and a hammer, be prepared to 
produce those fruits which redound to the glory and honor of 
our Heavenly Father. 

9th. We attended Mamaroueck Monthly Meeting. Here we 
were led into sympathy with some who had heavy burdens, at 
times, to bear; and yet felt often as if but little good would re- 
sult from it. The sufferings and reproaches which the Captain 
of our salvation endured for us, and the great privations and 
afflictions our early Friends bore, were alluded to ; showing 
that it is through suffering the truth triumphs ; and if He, for 
our sake, submitted to such treatment, we ought to be willing 
to partake cheerfully of those afflictions which appertain to the 
gospel, both for our own sakes, and for the church. On the 
following day, we rode to see the remnant of a small meeting, 
called Middlesex ; consisting of five females, who meet once or 
twice a week, for Divine worship, at the residence of Catharine 
Seely ; who has been confined mostly to the bed, eleven years. 
We had sittings with them ; and they were glad of our visit. 



1835.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 163 

Lodged at Charles Field's; and on sixth-day, 11th, had an 
appointed meeting at Purchase, to our own comfort and the 
satisfaction of Friends ; and on seventh-day, rode to New York, 
where we put up with Hannah and Lucy Eddy. 

On first-day, 13th, attended the morning and afternoon meet- 
ings; which were rather relieving opportunities; especially the 
latter, in which much interest in the welfare of the younger 
members was felt ; on account of the all-engrossing spirit of the 
world, to which they are exposed in this city of great business. 
They were affectionately invited to take the yoke of Christ 
upon them, that they might become crucified to the world, and 
the world to them ; and know those things to be kept under foot, 
and used as servants and not as masters. 

14th. Went to Flushing, where we had an appointed meet- 
ing the next day ; in which the necessity of living and walking 
by faith, was treated on ; as the path which the righteous of 
all ages have walked in, and found safety, and witnessed an 
establishment on the immutable foundation ; which will sustain 
against the storms and trials of time. 

16th. We attended the Monthly Meeting of Westbury; in 
which it appeared needful to stir up those who had known the 
Lord's hand to be extended for their help in time of extremity ; 
and yet were now in danger of falling into a lethargic state, 
taking their comfort in the things of this world. 

This was the last meeting that I expected to be at ; and when 
it was over, my mind felt at liberty, and peaceful in the pros- 
pect of soon rejoining my beloved family at home. Eeturned 
to S. P.'s, and lodged. The weather was very cold ; the ther- 
mometer falling two degrees below zero, that evening. Be- 
fore ten o'clock, we saw a large column of flame and smoke 
rising in the direction of New York. When the family rose, at 
six the following morning, it was still burning, in the same de- 
gree ; and when we reached the city, the destructive element 
was unconquered ; the firemen exhausted, and the extreme 
cold rendering the fire engines and hose almost useless. The 
fire commenced in Wall Street, and extended south-east, destroy- 
ing a large amount of property. 

On fifth-day night, we lodged at Nathan Yail's. Sixth and 
seventh-day, at Euth Ely's ; and on first-day, Twelfth month 
20th, 1835, reached home ; having travelled about seventeen 
hundred miles. We were blessed with health, so as to meet no 



164 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1836. 

deteDtion ; which is a great favor ; and have good cause to ac- 
knowledge the kindness and condescension of our Heavenly 
Father, in strengthening us for the little services, that He re- 
quired us to perform; and also for the hospitality of our friends 
throughout the journey. 

1836. The Meeting for Sufferings of this Yearly Meeting, 
having, for a long time, been desirous that some mode might 
be adopted for spreading the approved works of Friends, more 
generally amongst the members, now extensively scattered in 
this country ; it was suggested to my brother Thomas and my- 
self, whether we could not undertake the work. After deliber- 
ating upon it, and no other Friends appearing to be willing to 
engage in it, we drew up a proposal, which was submitted to 
that meeting, and approved ; and after some modification and 
enlargement, under the supervision of the Book Committee, 
the prospectus was printed, and spread throughout the meet- 
ings in the Yearly Meeting. It was not without serious appre- 
hension of many difficulties attending the prosecution of such a 
labor, that we took the step ; but the consideration, that a large 
number of members were growing up in the Society, who must 
be unable to procure the approved writings of Friends, owing 
to their scarcity, induced us to make the attempt; in the hope 
that we might thereby contribute to their benefit, and to the 
advancement of the cause of Christ in the earth. Copies of the 
prospectus were also forwarded to all the Meetings for Suffer- 
ings on this continent; and, I believe, approved by them all ; 
most of whom issued minutes to that effect. 

In the Fifth month, I attended the Yearly Meeting of New 
York, where several ministers from this and other similar meet- 
ings, were also present. The Meeting for Sufferings there, is- 
sued a pretty full minute, encouraging its members to take the 
proposed periodical; containing the journals, &c, of Friends. 
Much busi ness came before the meeting, which was resulted in har- 
mony ; though I thought the desire, on the part of some from 
the country, to avail themselves of the steamboats, for return- 
ing home, induced them to hurry, more than the dignity of 
such a meeting, and the nature of the business would warrant. 
The spirit of the world operating upon the members of our re- 
ligious Society, to draw them into extensive and hazardous 
business, produces a very injurious effect upon them. If it 
banishes the spirit and character of a humble follower of the 



1836.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 165 

Truth, a sense of oppression is felt among them, by those who 
desire above all things, to do the will of their Divine Master; the 
precious fellowship of the gospel is obstructed, and mourning 
over their degeneracy, is the clothing of the suffering seed. 

Through the forepart of this summer I was much at home. 
An afflicted child had long been claiming our sympathies and 
attention. She had now suffered more than three years; was 
often confined to her bed, and most of the time, unable to move 
about without help. 

Eighth month. Having felt my mind drawn to attend the 
Yearly Meeting of Ohio, and to visit the meetings composing 
Red Stone Quarter, I laid the concern before the Monthly 
Meeting, in the Eighth month, and obtained a minute of its 
unity. My esteemed friend Henry Cope, having agreed to bear 
me company, also received a similar minute. Though it was a 
trial to leave my beloved wife in charge of the family, one of 
the children having been long confined with disease, yet I was 
not easy to omit attending to the service which I believed my 
Divine Master laid upon me. We set out on the 27th, in 
public conveyance, by railroad and the canal through Pennsyl- 
vania to Pittsburg, where we arrived on fourth-day morning, 
31st; having had our friends, Elizabeth Coggeshall and com- 
panions, fellow passengers. There we hired a stage to take us 
to Mount Pleasant, which we reached next evening; lodged 
that night in the village. Dr. Isaac Parker called on us in the 
morning, and invited us to take lodgings at his house, we were 
very pleasantly accommodated there, through the week. On 
seventh-day morning I attended the Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders, and after the usual business was transacted, felt engaged 
to draw the attention of Friends to the importance of holding 
a Yearly Meeting, and the privileges which, as members of this 
Society, we enjoy. That in order to preserve these privileges, 
it is necessary properly to estimate them, and to endeavor to 
keep our respective places in the church ; dwelling near to our 
Divine Lord, and relying wholly upon Him, for ability to per 
form our duty. Thus we should be instrumental in strengthen- 
ing one another, and spreading the kingdom of the dear Son. of 
God. 

The Meeting for Sufferings being held in the afternoon,, my 
companion and I attended it. 

On first-day we attended the morning and afternoon meetings 
12 



166 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1836. 

at the old house. In the former, it appeared to be my place to 
hold np the indispensable necessity of dying daily to our own 
wills and inclinations ; that so we may know Christ to live in 
us, by his Holy Spirit; that being crucified with Him, the life 
which we now live in the flesh, may be by the faith of the Son 
of God, who loved us, and gave Himself for us. In our religi- 
ous assemblings, it is needful to endure patiently the stripping 
and desertion which He sees proper, that we may be prepared 
to be filled by Him, with his goodness; and with a qualification 
to make the offerings He prepares and calls for. A feeling of 
solemnity spread over us, and His name was secretly praised, 
who puts forth and goes before. 

On second-day commenced the business of the Yearly Meet- 
ing. Its sittings were attended with a general quiet, and much 
unanimity in its decisions. Ministers from North Carolina, In- 
diana, New York, New England and Philadelphia, were present. 
Committees were appointed by both meetings to visit the sub- 
ordinate branches, both the select and those for discipline. 

The Meeting of Ministers and Elders sat twice in the week. 
In the last of these sittings, I adverted to the attempts to lay 
waste some of the testimonies of our Society, made in former 
times, by unsettled, discontented members, who were soaring 
above their places ; but who eventually fell away and came to 
nothing. We had recent evidence of this, in those, who but a 
few years ago, assailed the peace and order of the Society. 
And I believed this would be the end of all who persisted in such 
work. Though they might soar as among the stars, and build 
their nests on high, the Lord, in his own time, would bring them 
down and lay them as in the dust. He would not permit those 
testimonies, which He entrusted our forefathers with, to be de- 
stroyed ; nor this people, if they are faithful to Him, to be laid 
waste, whom He had raised up to hold forth the standard of 
pure righteousness to the world. 

On sixth-day morning the Select Committee w T as appointed 
to visit the meetings. Much w T as said respecting the spirit in 
which this visit should be made ; and when the stream that way 
subsided, I felt a concern for those who were to be visited ; that 
they might receive it in a proper spirit, and guard against the 
insinuations which the enemy was watching to infuse into the 
mind, for the purpose of closing it up, against the sincere con- 
cern of their Friends for their help. If any had swerved from 



1836.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 167 

the right way, it would be well for them to draw into retire- 
ment, and seek the presence of the Searcher of hearts ; that 
they may be favored with a clear view of their condition, and 
ability to confess their sins unto Him, and witness restoration to 
the unity of the body ; so that its circulation may be witnessed 
without obstruction. 

The numerous subjects which engaged the time of the Yearly 
Meeting, extended the sittings until seventh-day. Near the 
close, the language of encouragement was held out to honest 
Friends, to put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the leader 
and commander of his people. Trials had ever attended them. 
The Apostle admonished one of the churches, that even from 
amongst themselves, men would arise, speaking perverse things, 
to draw away disciples after them. Friends here would have 
their trials and difficulties ; but those who dwelt under a sense 
of their inability to preserve themselves, and were endeavoring 
to maintain their confidence in Him, who has been the refuge of 
his people, will know his Name to be a strong tower, in the day 
of trouble ; to which they may run and find safety. He who 
has been with them in many conflicts, will not forsake them in 
others ; but will mercifully condescend to sustain them to the 
end, and crown them with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
Friends parted with feelings of near affection for each other ; 
thankful for the gracious extension of Divine help, solemnizing 
them together, and enabling them to transact the concerns of 
the meeting with decision and harmony. 



168 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1836. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

1836—1837. 

Finishes the visit in Western Pennsylvania — Concern respecting the wrongs 
of the Colored Eaces in the United States — Yearly Meeting of 1837 — Re- 
flections on a Worldly Spirit and the State of the Country — Second Re- 
ligious Visit in New England. 

Some of our kind friends of Westland and Bedstone, having 
made arrangements for conveying us into that Quarter, we left 
Mt. Pleasant on first-day morning ; Mildred Katcliff being in 
company. Attended Concord Meeting, where my mind was 
invested with a concern on account of an undue attachment 
to persons or things ; which subjects to the danger of los- 
ing that sensibility and discernment which the Truth gives. 
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the 
mighty man glory in his might ; let not the rich man glory in 
his riches ; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he un- 
derstandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord, which exerci- 
seth loving kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth." 
If we are indulging in inordinate attachment to persons or 
their gifts, we thereby suffer something to get between us and 
Him, who only has the right to the possession of our hearts, 
and by this means our allegiance to the King of kings will be 
affected. Our greatest wisdom is to know the Lord executing 
his righteous judgments in us, against everything that stands in 
competition with his Divine government ; and thus we shall ex- 
perience his loving kindness to preserve us from the snares of 
our cruel enemy, however subtle and insidious they may be. The 
meeting closed with supplication for continued help and preser- 
vation. 

The following night we lodged at Washington, thirty-two 
miles from Wheeling ; and the next day reached John Fisher's, 
at Westland. In the course of the ride, our friend Mildred 
Katcliff related several instructive incidents in her life. Her 
parents were Baptists, residing in one of the Southern States ; 
and she was educated in that profession, sprinkled when a child, 
and plunged into water at mature age. At quite an early period 
of life, her mind was brought under very serious impressions; 



1836] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 169 

particularly on account of the condition of the blacks, held in 
slavery by her father and others. The cruelties to which they 
were subjected, especially the flogging of females, affected her 
deeply. When quite a child, her tender sympathies were drawn 
towards the infant children of the slaves ; and though not al- 
lowed to mingle with those that occupied the outhouses, called 
the negro quarters, she would privately visit them, and carry 
to the little creatures small portions of food, which she had 
clandestinely procured, to feed them. At first, having rarely 
seen a white face, they would shun her from fear ; but after a 
few visits, they showed a fondness for her, and would cry after 
her if she left them without giving them some eatables. One 
day after being at a meeting of her own profession, where 
she was favored with some fresh convictions, she told her 
father, as they returned home, she believed the blacks ought to 
have their freedom. Her mind was also clearly convinced of 
the obligation which Christians were under, to keep to simplic- 
ity in their dress ; and though her sisters conformed to the 
fashions of the place, she had her clothing made in a very simple 
manner, particularly at the time of her marriage ; this was at 
the age of sixteen. Her father gave her a number of slaves 
on settling her, which she accepted ; having got, in some degree 
from under those early convictions. She was not, however, left 
in this state, — they were renewed, and she liberated all her slaves. 
One, however, who had nursed her in infancy, refused to leave, 
saying to her, you cannot do without me, I have as much 
liberty as I want, I shall never leave you ; and accordingly she 
remained till death. 

The journal of John Woolman falling in her way, she con- 
cluded one day to look into it, in order to see " Whether the 
Quaker could write anything that had any sense in it." She 
proceeded but little way before she discovered that the senti- 
ments and experience of that self-denying follower of Christ, 
corresponded very exactly with the openings of Truth in her 
own mind, and feeling a strong desire to become further ac 
quainted with it, she read it, at first secretly, and then openly; as 
she soon became convinced it contained the doctrines of Truth. 
This work not only sealed on her mind the duty of manumit 
ting her slaves, in which her patrimony mainly consisted, but 
prepared the way for uniting herself to to the despised Qua- 
kers; an event, of which at the time of marriage, though her 



170 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1836. 

husband was a member, she had neither the slightest inclina- 
tion or expectation. 

At her request, in the evening, we walked to her house, and, 
her health being so delicate as frequently to require her to be 
on the bed, we spent our time mostly in her chamber. Next 
day being the regular meeting at Westland, to which she be- 
longs, we attended it, some little notice having been spread 
in the neighborhood. The doctrine of regeneration, by obedi- 
ence to the Grace of God in the heart, was preached to some 
who had long slighted its convictions ; and the young people 
were tenderly invited to yield themselves to the visitations of 
their blessed Saviour; w T ho, if they received Him in the way 
of his appearance to their souls, would tabernacle with them, 
and become their teacher and preserver from the snares of their 
unwearied enemy. Mildred Eatcliff added an invitation, to 
join in with what she believed to he a renewed offer of help 
from our Heavenly Father. 

The next day we were taken by our kind and attentive friend 
John Fisher, to Pike Eun Meeting, held since the separation in 
the house of David Graves, now in his 84th year. A qualification 
was here unexpectedly furnished, to set forth the indispensa- 
ble necessity of watching over, and frequently examining our- 
selves, that we may not be deceived by the devices of the un- 
wearied and insidious enemy. While we were professing a be- 
lief in the Divine authority of the Holy Scriptures, and earnestly 
recommending their frequent reading, it was needful to put in 
practice their precepts, and profit by the experiences therein 
recorded. The things that were written aforetime, were written 
for our learning ; and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for 
correction, for instruction in righteousness ; and it becomes us to 
try ourselves by the doctrines we recommend to others. We 
have there recorded, instances of great men swerving from the 
right way, through unwatchfulness and disobedience of the Di- 
vine command. The Apostle Paul, though a distinguished min- 
ister of the Gospel, said : " I keep under my body, and bring it 
into subjection, lest that by any means when I have preached 
to others, I myself should be a castaway." Here he hoi Is out 
the possibility of becoming a castaway, and the need of keeping 
a steadfast watch over ourselves, and experiencing self to be 
held in subjection. The necessity of submitting to the purging, 
refining operation, which Christ speaks of, when he compares 



1836] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 171 

Himself to the vine and his disciples to the branches, was also 
brought into view, as one of the means which He uses to pre- 
serve his children. Even those who have had large experience 
of his mercy and of his faithfulness ; in clothing them with 
strength to fulfil his will, must be stripped and prostrated in 
abasement of soul. All the armor with which they were array- 
ed, in his' cause, seems to be taken off; and scarcely anything 
left but a humiliating sense of their own weakness and vileness; 
and sometimes their past sins and follies rise up against them, 
and make them loathe themselves. These are humbling dispen- 
sations ; but are nevertheless salutary, and prepare the creature, 
if it keeps the word of the Lord's patience, to experience a 
resurrection into newness of life, from this baptism into death. 
" If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, 
we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." " That like 
as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, 
so wo also shall walk in newness of life." And we need not be 
afraid of being forsaken in this state. He is ever with his chil- 
dren ; and as they endeavor to hold fast their love and alle- 
giance to Him, He will keep them in the hollow of his hand; 
and again restore to them beauty for ashes ; the oil of joy for 
mourning: and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 
These views were held out to some present, who were in danger 
of falling into a superficial state ; depending upon former expe- 
rience, without going again and again into baptism and death. 
It was a solid opportunity, in which Holy Help was near, to 
qualify for the faithful discharge of duty; and yet, under a re- 
collection that we are poor creatures, all needing Divine mercy 
and forbearance. 

Ninth month 16th. We had an appointed meeting with 
Friends, and some others, at Brownsville. I was burdened with 
a worldly spirit ; which, it appeared to me, had overpowered 
some, even in advanced years, to a very lamentable degree. 
The importance of experiencing a change, and entering into the 
vinej^ard and laboring, though at, the eleventh hour of the day, 
was seriously pressed upon some ; as well as the benefits of 
such change and its fruits, upon the rising generation round 
about them. But little relief was obtained, and I left them with 
the fear, that the cause of Truth was in a suffering state in that 
place. Dined at D. C.'s ; who kindly offered to take us to seve- 



172 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1836. 

ral of the remaining meetings ; and with whom we went that 
evening to Sandy Hill, seven miles. 

Next morning, 17th, set off for Sandy Creek ; a small meet- 
ing in the edge of Virginia, about twenty-six miles southeast of 
Uniontown. Notice being given, we attended their first-day 
meeting; a few Friends, and some strangers; and rode back to 
a tavern on the United States turnpike. Lodged and returned 
to Sandy Hill, where a mixed company collected by appoint- 
ment, at the old meeting-house ; the meeting there, having been 
laid down by Eed Stone Monthly Meeting, in consequence of the 
great negligence of the members in attending it. Neither of these 
meetings were opportunities of much refreshment to me ; but la- 
borious ; though some ability was afforded, in the first, to open the 
principles of Friends, on some points. In the latter, death seemed 
to have overspread many, who had long neglected their religious 
duties. To some, who were secretly enquiring, Who shall show 
us any good? the invitation was held out, to come unto Christ, 
and take his yoke upon them; and He would help them; 
though they were surrounded by those who had slighted their 
own mercies, and were become stumbling-blocks to sincere en- 
quirers. 

20th. Had an appointed meeting at Centre; where the life 
of religion also appeared to be at a low ebb. Some seemed little 
better than blind watchmen; putting but little restraint on the 
young people; and some present, it seemed to me, had fallen into 
a spirit of defiance against religion itself; and were endeavor- 
ing to bring others into the same state. The dangerous condi- 
tion and influence of such persons were plainly held up to view; 
both, of those who had the form of godliness, yet denied the 
power thereof; and those who were of corrupt minds, reprobate 
concerning the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. The declaration 
made to the prophet Ezekiel, that if the sword destroyed any, 
and the watchman failed to give them warning, the blood of such 
should be required of him, was brought into view ; and, as applica- 
ble to parents who would not restrain their children, the case of 
Eli, the high priest; to whom Samuel declared the determination 
of the Lord, respecting him and his house, because he restrained 
not his sons in their vilcness; the result of which, was the loss 
of their lives in one day, and the ark of God falling into the 
hands of the Philistines. Some of these things were brought 
home closely to individuals present; and though the testimony 



1836.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 173 

of Truth was sharp to some, others were tendered, and encour- 
aged to give themselves up into the Lord's hand; that He might 
prepare them to stand in that place, as witnesses of his power 
and goodness; and to be instrumental to draw others from the 
broad way into the way of holiness. 

In some of these meetings, the work which appeared to be 
assigned me, was of such a laborious nature, and so little effect 
evident, that I was, at times, discouraged ; sometimes thought 
that perhaps I had mistaken my service; and at others, that I 
possessed little or no qualification for it; and yet I could not 
perceive that I had done wrong; and therefore endeavored 
to hold on, in dedication to the Lord's will, and in humble reli- 
ance upon Him, for help to fulfil whatever might be my duty. 

24th and 25th. Had appointed meetings at Providence and 
Sewickly; in which Divine kindness was manifested towards 
me, a poor creature; and for the comforting, strengthening and 
arousing of individuals, in the meetings. In both there ap- 
peared to be a remnant of concerned Friends; to whom the 
language of encouragement, to keep close to their Lord and 
Ma-ter, was extended; also some, who were in danger of losing 
what they had once known, and being caught by the stratagems 
of the enemy, were warned of their danger; as well as those 
who were settling down at ease. " Such as we sow, such shall 
we reap. If we sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap cor- 
ruption; but if we sow to the Spirit, we shall of the Spirit reap 
life everlasting." The certainty of Divine judgment, according 
to the deeds done in the body, was enforced. We were after- 
wards told that a person who sat before me, at Sewickly, and 
who rarely attended Friends' meeting, was a Universalist. He 
appeared to be wrought upon. 

Sewickly meeting finished our visit in this journey; and under 
a tendering feeling of the condescension and goodness of our 
Divine Master, thanksgiving for mercies past, and prayer for 
their continuance, in the various conflicts and close provings, yet 
to be passed through, were offered to Him; and we parted from 
our friends with sentiments of near affection, and with fervent 
desire for our mutual preservation, in our various allotments in 
the world and in the church. 

There are within the limits of this Quarterly Meeting, a num- 
ber of valuable, well-qualified Friends, who evince a proper 
concern for the maintenance of our principles and discipline ; 



174 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 183d] 

but the proportion who have fallen into the love of the world, 
and feel little or no interest in those things, is so great, that, 
taken together, the body of Friends here, may be said to be in 
a weak condition. Cases of violation of the discipline are left 
too long without attention, in some places. The number of 
members at Sandy Hill is sufficient to make a reputable meet- 
ing; but after long labor, they were deprived of their meeting, 
in consequence of almost total apathy and delinquency. Such 
an instance I was never before acquainted with ; and it was sor- 
rowful, in riding from the meeting-house, to have pointed out 
the residences of many, either families, or parts of families, 
belonging to the Society, within its former limits; and who, 
young and old, were they alive in the Truth, might hold up a 
noble testimony in that neighborhood. Surely the judgments 
of the Lord will overtake such as thus turn their back upon his 
mercies, and the opportunities placed within their reach, to 
grow in good liking before Him. I felt much for some, on 
whom the principal weight of the affairs of the Society rests 
here; and much desired their faithfulness. Though they may 
feel burdened with so great part of the care of the church, and 
some lukewarm professors, like the murmuring Israelites, may 
charge them with taking too much upon themselves, yet I be- 
lieved it was necessary that they should be diligent and faith- 
ful; not regarding the insinuations of the scornful; and they 
would receive a blessed reward of precious peace; and be the 
means of guarding the young people from the inroads of loose- 
ness and libertinism. The upright example of a few, often ex- 
erts a very valuable preserving influence ; it is like the salt that 
prevents corruption, and gives a good savor. 

On sixth-day, 23d, we rode to Pittsburg, in hopes of finding a 
canal-boat to leave the city in the morning, but were disap- 
pointed; and detained at an inn till evening. To fill up the day, 
we walked through the town and its environs. "Were it not 
for the black appearance, which the smoke of bituminous coal 
burnt here, gives the city, it would be a very pleasant looking 
place. The trade which centres here, from the Monongahela, 
Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers, and the canal and railroad from 
Philadelphia, makes it a lively business town. It is also a great 
manufacturing town; particularly in iron and glass; and a 
large number of steamboats ascend the Ohio, to load and unload 
at its wharves. During the day, the retrospect of the embassy, 



1837.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 175 

just finished, afforded a flow, at times, of as peaceful feeling as 
I have ever witnessed on such occasions. About 9 o'clock in 
the evening, 23d of Ninth month, we took the canal-boat, and 
reached our beloved homes on third-day, the 27th, in good 
health. I found my family in their usual health, excepting our 
afflicted daughter; who had wasted much in my absence, by 
accumulated disease. Bat her mind was preserved in much 
sweetness and calmness. She continued to decline, until her 
sufferings were terminated by death, on the 13th of Eleventh 
month, aged eleven years. We all felt the removal of her 
purified spirit from amongst us, her solidity and example pro- 
ducing a useful effect upon the family. 

1837. By appointment of the Yearly Meeting, in company with 
my friend Benjamin Cooper, I went to Plainfield, New Jersey ; and 
attended their Monthly Meeting, and the Quarterly Meeting of 
Shrewsbury and Eahway, held there. These meetings have 
been much reduced by the separation. For the few who have 
been left to maintain our discipline and testimonies, we felt sin- 
cere desires that their hands may be strengthened ; and I was 
enabled to labor among them, to dissuade from the influence of 
the spirit and fashions of the world, and to draw them into 
closer fellowship with our Holy Leader; that they might hold 
up a clearer light among the people, and experience a growth in 
the blessed Truth amongst themselves. We were brought near 
to one another, and parted with feelings of mutual love and de- 
sire for each other's welfare. 

Our last Yearly Meeting having referred the slavery of the 
blacks in this country, to the consideration of the Meeting for 
Sufferings, that if way opened for it, it might address the citi- 
zens of the United States on the subject, it was regularly 
brought before the meeting, at its various sittings. It was be- 
lieved that such an address might be prepared, and circulated 
with benefit ; that the attention of the public mind was much 
awakened to the importance of the subject ; and many of the 
members of our Society, feeling a deep interest in the abolition 
of this abominable institution, were joining with others, in such 
measures, as they judged would conduce to its extirpation ; 
while, as a religious body, we were not, at the present time, 
taking any active steps in it. From these considerations, and 
especially on account of the responsibility which our silence in- 
creased upon ourselves, some were desirous that the present 



176 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

time might not be suffered to pass unimproved ; believing that 
Friends, might be instrumental in strengthening the hands of 
those who were sincerely laboring to remove the evil ; awaken- 
ing others who had taken little, or no hold of it ; and, at the 
same time, show our members that the Society was alive to the 
subject, and still maintained the testimony it has long held, 
against the oppression of that people. After spending some 
time in deliberating upon it, in which a large number of the 
members expressed their unity, a committee was separated to 
prepare an address ; embracing the wrongs inflicted on the In- 
dians, as well as on the slave population, in these United States. 
An address was accordingly prepared, which, with some altera- 
tions, was adopted by the meeting in Fourth Month ; and thence 
carried up to the Yearly Meeting, where it received the sanction 
of that body. 

Our evening meetings closed with the last first-day in the 
Third month. They were generally held to satisfaction, re- 
markably quiet and orderly ; a good degree of solemnity over- 
spread the assemblies, and it appeared that the desire for their 
continuance in the winter season was increasing. If the minis- 
ters and elders, and active members are preserved in the unity 
of the Spirit, they will be seasons of harmonious travail for the 
welfare and preservation, one of another, and for the spreading 
of the dominion of Truth within our borders. There is a large 
number of plain young Friends in this city ; and those who are 
placed as overseers of the flock, cannot but feel a warm solicitude 
for them ; that they may give up all to follow Christ, and become 
standard bearers and advocates in his glorious cause. 

Our Yearly Meeting held in the Fourth month was large. 
Much interest in its concerns was manifested by the younger 
members, whose deportment was becoming the occasion. We 
were favored with a good degree of religious weight in our de- 
liberations throughout, which were conducted and resulted in 
love and harmony. Our friend, John Cox, of Burlington, who 
is in the eighty-third year of his age, came down on second-day, 
and joined us on third-day morning. He was very lively and 
pertinent in his remarks, in application to several subjects 
brought into view by the Queries and Answers. The number 
:>f visitors from other Yearly Meetings was unusually small. 
The closing sitting was considered by several of the older 



1837.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 177 

Friends, to be one of the most solemn that we have had for 
several years. 

Fifth month 1st. Our friend, Joseph Gibbons, who, for many 
years has been a member and minister in our meeting, died this 
afternoon, after an illness of several weeks. My wife and my- 
self called the day before his death, to make inquiry after him, 
and being invited into his room, saw that a great change had 
taken place. He labored for breath, and could say but a few 
words at a time. She remarked that the work was finishing, 
-and that she believed he would soon be released from his suffer- 
ings. He added, he believed the Lord would deliver him out of 
all his troubles ; that the wedding garment was nearly com- 
pleted, and that he would be permitted soon to rejoin his beloved 
companion, who had recently gone before. Soon after, he said, 
" ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine 
eyes have seen thy salvation.' Oh, blessed and glorious conclusion 
to come to, through the mercies of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
I am a poor, unworthy creature ; it is all through mercy, un- 
merited mercy, unworthy as we are." He expressed much love 
for us, and took an affectionate leave, saying, " May the Lord 
bless and preserve you to the end of the race ; to the coming of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." On taking him by the 
hand, I said, I trusted it would not be long before he would 
be released from all his sufferings ; he replied, " We must be re- 
signed, and wait the Lord's time." He departed the next after- 
noon, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

To-day our Quarterly Meeting convened in the western end 
of the Arch street house ; men and women together. It was a 
very quiet, solid meeting ; and from the sensations which clothed 
my mind, I thought the change from a separate meeting of the 
sexes, was advantageous. It felt more like a religious meeting ; 
and I trust will prove a proper step. After the meeting for 
worship, the women withdrew into the eastern end, to transact 
their business. 

In the Select Meeting, held on seventh-day preceding, the 
state of things amongst its members, was a little gone into, and 
the great necessity of Divine wisdom to guide us, that we might 
not improperly exalt or depress any above or below what the 
Master appoints, was spoken to. 

12th. In the course of my short pilgrimage, being now in 
the fiftieth year of my age, I have encountered some difficulties, 



178 . JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

and passed through seasons of deep discouragement on various 
accounts. On commencing business for myself, I fully believed 
that my life, and my talents, should be devoted to the service of 
my Heavenly Father. Though it was necessary to make suita- 
ble provision for myself, and for those who might be dependent 
on me, yet, in my view, this was secondary to the main object 
of serving Him ; and through the aid of his blessed Spirit, taking 
part in the interests and concerns of his church and people. 
Yery early I had the promise, that if I devoted myself to his 
service, I should never want food or raiment. But though I 
fully believed the certainty of the promise, and have never since 
been permitted to doubt its fulfilment ; yet when things in the 
outward have worn a gloomy aspect, and my business was very 
small, and an increasing family looking to me for their daily 
supplies, my faith at times has been closely proved. This has 
had a very humbling effect; and while I have been weaned 
from the desire after outward things, both riches and temporal 
enjoyments, it has tended to bring me many times, in a pros- 
trated state of mind, to his footstool, and to lay all before Him, 
and ask for the continuance of his countenance and mercy to- 
wards me, a poor unworthy creature before Him. Herein I 
have experienced the renewed extendings of his unmerited re- 
gard; the load under which my mind had been laboring, was 
for the present, removed ; and ability was received to feel with 
and for the afflicted, and to hold forth to them the language of 
consolation, in their secret and bitter conflicts. Under the dis- 
cipline of the Cross of Christ, I have been convinced that much 
too great a part of the time, and of the energies of body and 
mind, are absorbed in the pursuit of worldly things. A great 
part of mankind miss of the true enjoyment of the provisions 
of a beneficent Providence, even after they gain them, for want 
of living to Him, and not to themselves. They are kept either 
in a constant hurried frame of mind, confused, or in doubt what 
to lay hold of to obtain happiness, or they settle down in the 
love of money; hoarding it, and husbanding it, out of a sordid 
attachment to it. They are in bonds; unable to enjoy, or to 
see in what true enjoyment consists. The work of religion is 
either overlooked, rarely attended to, or postponed to a future 
day, when they think it will suit their inclination and conve- 
nience. I am convinced that it is in our power, as we live in 
obedience to the Divine will, to find time for all our duties, social 



1837.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 179 

and religious. Even the poor, with common industry; as their 
desires and expenses are circumscribed by the Divine will, may, 
through his blessing, procure sufficient food and raiment ; and 
when it is proper to leave their outward business, in order to per- 
form their religious duties, they may confide in his superintending 
providence over their affairs, and their families, so that they shall 
not suffer from their faithfulness. How simple, and how few are 
the wants of such ! They do not envy the rich, nor covet their pos- 
sessious. " Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and therein 
the}' meditate day and night." They eat their bread with glad- 
ness and singleness of heart. Their labors and their rest are sweet; 
and as they seek first the kingdom of God and the righteousness 
thereof, all those things necessary to their accommodation, will 
be added. Here the devoted follower of Christ experiences the 
right use of his time and talents; and the true enjoyment of the 
various blessings which his Heavenly Father provides, and be- 
stows upon him. As time and the energies of body and mind are 
wasting away, he is growing in grace, and in the knowledge of 
those things which pertain to life and salvation ; he is laying up 
treasure in heaven, where his heart centres ; and he becomes 
more and more established upon that Eock, against which death, 
hell, and the grave, cannot prevail. 

Our country has now been at peace with other nations for 
several years — the channels of trade, both at home and with 
foreign nations, have been open, and the inhabitants have very 
extensively engaged in it. The poor colored population, held 
in bonds in this land, have been bought and sold, and taken to 
the South and Southwest, where they have been driven and 
worked very hard. The profits of their labor have whetted the 
appetite of the slave-holder for enlarging his operations ; and 
the disposition to secure himself against the possibility of losing 
his bondmen through the growing opposition to the system in 
the North, has strengthened, and his excitability increased. 
Pride and corruption have risen to a great height. 

Not only towards the poor slaves have injustice and cruelty 
been practised, but the poor Indians in the Southern States have 
felt their dreadful effects, in a very sorrowful manner. In vio- 
lation of treaties, and of the solemn requisitions of the precepts 
of Christ, they have been abused ; their situation on their own 
lands rendered uncertain and dangerous ; and they at last com- 
pelled to migrate into uncultivated regions ; where, it is said, 



180 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [ 1837. 

not a few have perished from want. While the citizens of these 
United States have been living in abundance, those men, the 
descendants of Africa, and the natives, once the owners of 
the country, have been subjected to a life of rigor and dis- 
tress, and their appeals disregarded. Can it be a matter of 
wonder, if the judgments of the Almighty should overtake a 
people, guilty of such oppression and injustice? Last year the 
crops of grain, particularly of wheat and rye, fell much short 
of the usual product, and at the present juncture the trade 
of the country has been suddenly arrested ; many wealthy 
merchants have failed; and distress and embarrassment have 
overspread the community. It has fallen very heavily upon the 
South. Their produce has declined nearly one half in price, and 
it is said that some have been compelled to sell part of their 
slaves, to procure corn to subsist the rest. The Lord is slow to 
anger, and of great compassion ; but He cannot be partial ; his 
judgments will not always sleep. If the hand of violence con- 
tinues to rest upon the helpless and unoffending, we shall expe- 
rience them to be again and again poured out upon us. 

15th. A Convention to revise and prepare a constitution for 
the State of Pennsylvania, being now in session, such mem- 
bers of the Meeting for Sufferings as could be conveniently no- 
tified, met this afternoon to consider whether the cause of Truth 
could be promoted, by an application to that body to alter the 
article on the militia, so as to exonerate Friends, and all other 
conscientious persons, from training or serving in war, or pay- 
ing any fine for declining to do so. Four Friends were selected 
to draft a memorial to that body on the occasion. 

19th. Sixteen members of the Meeting for Sufferings met 
to-day to consider the essay of a memorial, prepared to be laid 
before the Convention. The subject was renewedly deliberated 
on ; and after some time spent in examining the document, it was 
adopted ; and three Friends were appointed to take it to Har- 
risburg. 

25th. To-day I laid before the Monthly Meeting a prospect, 
with which my mind has been impressed for some time, to at- 
tend the New England Yearly Meeting, and visit a few meet- 
ings in the neighborhood of Newport ; which I had in view 
when in that country a few years ago. The concern was owned, 
and a minute granted. 

31st. After a silence of nearly six months, in our own meet- 



1837.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 181 

ing, it appeared to be my place this morning, to warn some who 
were growing lukewarm, and gradually swerving from the 
strait and narrow way; of the loss they were sustaining, and 
the danger to which they are exposed. Many are called, but 
few are chosen. Though they may at first obey the call ; yet 
through unwatchfulness, and an unwillingness to suffer the seed 
sown in their hearts to take deep root, and spread there; like 
those comparable to stony places ; when trial overtakes them, 
the plant of renown withers, and they never bring forth fruit to 
the praise of the heavenly Husbandman. 

Sixth month 8th. I set off, accompanied by my friend, Jo- 
seph Snowdon, to attend the Yearly Meeting onEhode Island, 
and a few meetings belonging to it. We got into New York 
about two o'clock ; left it at five o'clock ; and at six on the fol- 
io wing morning, found ourselves entering Newport harbor. On 
landing, we rode out to David Buffum's. 

Seventh-day morning, the 10th, went to Portsmouth, and at- 
tended the Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; which, through the 
most of it, was a heavy time. The clerk remarked, just before 
concluding the meeting, that things had not passed on as cur- 
rently as was usual; and wished every one to search for the 
obstruction. I had some serious feelings, and made some re- 
marks in relation to the importance of holding a Yearly Meeting ; 
and the necessity of every one keeping their respective places, so 
as to act under Divine direction. It was no uncommon thing 
to feel barren, and destitute of Divine good, at the commence- 
ment of such meetings ; and if we made a right use of such 
dispensations, their proper effect would be to drive us to the 
Master's feet; there to wait for his arising, to qualify for his 
work ; and when He puts forth his sheep He will go before them. 
We must be emptied before we are prepared to be filled ; and 
as we are engaged to keep our habitations in the Truth, we 
shall, in his time, find that there is bread enough in his house, 
and to spare. Several Friends spoke a little afterward, and we 
were in some degree quickened together. Many of the mem- 
bers present, whom I had seen in the course of my journey in 
the Eastern States, a few years ago,, expressed their satisfaction 
in now seeing me with them, and the feeling was reciprocal. 
In the afternoon attended the Meeting for Sufferings. 

11th. We staid at Portsmouth, and attended the morning 
meeting. It was composed of many persons not of our pro* 

ia 



182 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

fession, and a pretty large collection of Friends. Wm. Kenard, 
of Ohio, spoke some time very suitably; and my mind beiDg 
brought under exercise, I believed it right to hold up to view 
the coincidence between the prophetic testimonies of the Psal- 
mist and Isaiah, and that of our blessed Lord himself; as also 
of the Apostle Peter respecting Him ; that He is the only way 
by which we can come to the Father, and be made partakers of 
salvation. I was concerned to show how we were to become 
true believers in Christ, by obedience ; by receiving Him in his 
coming into our hearts ; and thus being true witnesses of his 
power and goodness, in delivering us from the bondage of cor- 
ruption, and bringing us into the enjoyment of the liberty of 
his sons. The young people were affectionately invited to en- 
list under his banner ; that they might receive the blessings 
which He has in store for them. The awful consequences of un- 
belief, and a wilful denial of the Lord Jesus, were brought into 
view; also the wretched condition of him whose only hope is 
in unbelief, and in destroying the authority of the holy Scrip- 
tures. They were solemnly cautioned against this dark spirit, 
and invited openly to confess the Lord Jesus Christ before men, 
in their lives and conduct. 

In the afternoon we came to Newport, and attended a very 
large meeting there. Several Friends bore testimony to the 
Truth ; and towards the close it was impressed on me, to show 
that religion is not a speculative thing, but a real, heartfelt 
work. The prophet Malachi compared the dispensation, to be 
afterwards introduced, to the burning of an oven. John, the 
forerunner, said, that the axe was laid to the root of the trees, 
and every tree that brought not forth good fruit, was to be hewn 
down, and cast into the fire. He that sent him to baptize, said, 
" Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remain- 
ing on him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." 
" Whose fan is in his hand, and He shall thoroughly purge his 
floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff 
He will burn with fire unquenchable." Here the operation of 
Christ's religion is, in three places, compared to fire. Thence I 
was led to describe some of its effects, in rooting out and destroy- 
ing every evil plant and fruit in us; and thereby preparing the 
soul to receive Christ, and his kingdom and government. Where 
this is experienced, love prevails ; first to our heavenly Father, and 
*,hen towards one another, and all mankind. Here, wars and 



[1837- JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 183 

confusion are brought to an end ; and all such, being baptized 
by one Spirit into one body, become united together in spread- 
ing the kingdom of the Messiah ; whose design and work it is, 
that it may extend from sea to sea, and from the river to the 
ends of the earth. 

12th, 13th and 14th. Attended the several sittings of the 
Yearly Meeting ; in which way opened to hold forth the ground 
on which our religious Society was gathered ; that of entire de- 
pendence upon the Minister of the Sanctuary, in all its reli- 
gious assemblies. The importance of rightly maintaining our 
discipline, was also adverted to; as a means of preservation to 
the flock ; and a source of instruction and of useful exercise of the 
gifts and faculties bestowed upon us. The young people were 
called upon to dedicate themselves to his service ; and as they 
were properly concerned, they would be benefitted by the exam- 
ple and wisdom of their elders ; and feel their hearts knit to 
one another, and to their more advanced brethren, as that of 
Jonathan and David were, in the work of the Lord, in their 
day. 

The practice, which has obtained in a few places, of opening 
Friends' meeting-houses, for other purposes than those of the 
concerns of our Society, having rested much with me, I men- 
tioned it at the close of the afternoon meeting, on third-clay, for 
the consideration of Friends, in their different localities. It was 
taken up by the meeting; and the practice disapproved; and 
the clerk directed to prepare a minute on the occasion, to go to 
the subordinate meetings; which was adopted the following af- 
ternoon. 

The Yearly Meeting concluded, with one sitting, on sixth-day; 
having been enabled, through Divine kindness, to conduct and 
result its business in much harmony. When such a feeling pre- 
vails, it tends to unite Friends of the same meeting to each other, 
and also to their visitors, in stronger fellowship; by which we 
may be qualified more availingly to advance the cause in which 
we all profess to be engaged ; sectional feeling and prejudices, if 
they exist, come to be softened down; and the way opened to 
benefit, and be benefitted by, one another. However great the 
attainments of any may be, if they keep in a proper disposition, 
they will find something to instruct and enlighten them, in 
almost all places; and such a state of mind is peculiarly need- 
ful, to fit us to impart instruction 1 1 others. A due regard for the 



184 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. • [1837. 

peculiar habits and views of those we visit; but without giving 
away the truth and the judgment of Truth; will often render it 
more practicable, to convey in a suitable way, our own senti- 
ments, and availingly impress them upon others. 

On the afternoon of sixth-day, we went by steamboat to Pro- 
vidence; attended their meeting for worship on first-day morn- 
ing ; and were at the boarding-school in the afternoon ; in 
both which, Divine help was granted to preach the gospel. We 
sat an hour and a half, before the way opened for me to say 
anything ; but afterwards a qualification was granted, to enforce 
the importance of co-operating with the means which Divine 
mercy has provided, to enable man to work out the salvation 
of the soul. This is very simple in its requisitions; but must, 
nevertheless, be accepted and obeyed; if it is not, we shall be 
rejected and left to ourselves. The expressions were brought 
into view, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear 
them ;" " If they hear not Moses and the* prophets, neither will 
they be persuaded though one rose from the dead." Naaman, 
the Syrian, was offended at the simplicity of the means pointed 
out for his cure; but when he yielded, it effected the object, and 
his fiesh returned as that of a little child. It was a pretty 
open time. 

In the afternoon, the protection of our Heavenly Father, ex- 
tended to Jacob and Joseph, when separated from parental care, 
was held up to the view of the children, at the boarding-school; 
and their caretakers were encouraged to apply for that wisdom 
which is derived from above, to enable them to go in and out 
rightly before their interesting charge; and so to govern them, 
as to bring them to Christ; that they might be prepared, as 
good ground, to receive the precious seed of the kingdom in 
their hearts. 

19th. We had an appointed meeting at Cranston in the 
morning, and one at Greenwich in the afternoon. They were 
both seasons of Divine favor. In the latter, the caution of the 
Apostle, to "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy 
and vain deceit," &c, was impressed on the audience; and the 
danger of a captious, cavilling spirit pointed out; and the visit- 
ed souls of little experience, cautioned against talking away re- 
ligious convictions and impressions, by which they would suffer 
loss; and to beware of sceptical persons, who would watch to 



1837.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 185 

betray them, and turn them aside from the truths of the 
gospel. 

We went home with our friend T. H., where we passed the 
evening and following morning, very agreeably, the weather 
proving rainy. Here we were furnished with a chaise, and 
piloted to Hopkinton ; where we had an appointed meeting 
in the morning (21st;) and one in the afternoon at Richmond; 
both of them rather trying; though in the latter part of the 
first, Truth rose into dominion, after a drowsy, lethargic spirit 
was exposed and reproved. 

On the 22d, attended Towerhill Meeting, and on the 23d, had 
an appointed meeting on Canonicut Island. The first was a 
very laborious meeting; the spirit of the world having gained 
such ascendency in some, that they appeared to be almost swal- 
lowed up by their various pursuits ; so as to give little or no 
time to the great work of salvation. Such, occasion much pain- 
ful feeling to those who visit them in the love of the gospel ; 
and block up the way for the stream of comfort and consola- 
tion, to flow to the weary, yet pursuing pilgrim. 

After dining with our friends J. and M. R., who reside on 
Point Judith, we walked down to the seaside to view a large 
stone wharf, which a company were building for a steamboat 
landing. It was pleasant once more to visit the house of these 
Friends, who accompanied me in 1823, from the Yearly Meet- 
ing at Newport, to Canonicut; where I held my first appointed 
meeting. 

Their son kindly conveyed us, after taking tea, to the house of 
a Friend, residing about a mile from the ferry ; and in the morning, 
we had a pleasant passage back to the Island; the meeting was 
pretty satisfactory. We dined at J. G-.'s; his sister Anne, a 
minister, is in her eighty-fifth year. She seemed to be in a 
humble, confiding state of mind ; expressing thankfulness that 
her Heavenly Father had granted her the gift of his Holy 
Spirit; which had been her support under many trials, and was 
her comforter in the decline of bodily and mental strength. 

In the afternoon we took steamboat at Newport for New 
York; and on the following morning, landed and went to our 
friends T. and H. Eddy's. On first-day. 25th, attended the 
morning and afternoon meetings. In the first, Truth opened 
the way to set forth the necessity of faith in God ; without 
which it is impossible to please Him; that faith which gives 



186 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

victory over our corrupt propensities, and through which we 
are enabled to bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit; for as 
the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works, is 
dead also. The importance of coming to realize the blessings 
of the G-ospel of Christ; in which we profess to be true be- 
lievers ; not contenting ourselves in a mere belief and profession, 
were enforced, under feelings of love, and sincere desire for 
those present; that thus they might be preachers of righteous- 
ness in life and conversation ; and lights to others, in the midst of 
a worldly minded and dissipated people. It was a time of re- 
newed favor ; and prayer was offered up for the feeble-minded 
and fearful, yet sincere disciples of the Lord Jesus ; that He 
would lift up his Holy Spirit, as a standard against Satan, in 
his assaults upon them ; and strengthen them to acknowledge, 
in all their ways, the right of the dear Son of G-od to set up his 
kingdom, and rale in the hearts of all mankind. 

Our beloved and endeared friend Elizabeth Coggeshall, having 
received a severe injury from a fall, a few days before we 
reached the city; on going to see her, she expressed much 
thankfulness that her life was not taken in that manner; and 
that not even a bone was broken. Yet in a retrospect of the 
many trials which, in the course of her life, had fallen to her 
lot, she was much affected. I endeavored to comfort her with 
the fact, that in the midst of all her deep afflictions, she had en- 
deavored to show forth the efficacy of the religion of the Lord 
Jesus; and in the end, as she persevered, all would be well with 
her. She was a strength to her friends in the consistent exam- 
ple which she set, by her meekness and cheerfulness under 
affliction. She expressed her fellowship with me in the bonds 
of the gospel; which was encouraging, coming from one who 
had ministered to me when I was an apprentice, and by her 
very affectionate notice, not only endeared herself, but the Truth 
she preached, and invited others to. 

Friends showed us much kind attention in this city, though 
our stay was short. We left them on second-day morning, and 
reached home that afternoon, with peaceful and cheerful minds; 
under a hope that the cause of Christ had not suffered by us ; 
and that He had condescended to open the way, and go before, 
furnishing with matter for the states of the people, according 
to his Divine appointment. 



[1837. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 187 

CHAPTER IX. 

1837—1838. 

Memorial to a Convention — Visits to Neighboring Meetings — Abington, Sa- 
lem and Burlington Quarterly Meetings — Concern of the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings on account of the Introduction of Unsound Doctrines — Concord 
Quarterly Meeting — Keligious Visit within Haddonfield and Burlington 
Quarterly Meetings. 

Seventh month 1st. Several days of this week, I was engaged, 
with the other members of the Book Committee of the Meeting 
for Sufferings, in reading and examining the Journal of William 
Savery, as compiled by my beloved and aged father, now in his 
seventy-ninth year. He had been employed, at different times, 
within the last three 3^ears, in transcribing and arranging the 
memoranda of that excellent minister of the G-ospel, and 
having accomplished the undertaking, it was submitted to this 
committee. 

10th. A Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings, appointed 
to present to the State Convention, a memorial relative to the 
clause requiring military service, or a fine, went to Harrisburg 
this day ; had conversation with a few members in the evening, 
and the following morning it was presented and directed to be 
printed. In conversing with several of the members, we found 
a number who were disposed to sustain the views of Friends, 
and to make such alteration as, they hoped, would be a relief. 
We pressed upon them the propriety of securing the liberty of 
conscience unmolested, and free from the imposition of any 
penalty. Some were fearful if they attempted a direct exemp- 
tion of such conscientious persons, they would be defeated ; but 
by striking out those words which were inserted to relieve them, 
and leave the subject altogether to the Legislature ; with the 
declaration contained in the Bill of Rights, that no human 
power shall in any case whatever, interfere with the right of 
conscience, Friends might be effectually relieved; at least in 
time of peace. The delegates appeared much worn with con- 
stant application ; and having decided to adjourn, they were too 
unsettled to afford so favorable an opportunity for impressing 



188 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

1 

our views upon them, as at an earlier period of the session. 
We were, however, better satisfied in going, and doing what we 
could, than to defer it longer. Returned home on the 12th. 

15th. My wife and myself went up this afternoon to the 
residence of our beloved friends Josiah and Elizabeth Reeve, at 
Upper Evesham, with whom we have had a very agreeable ac- 
quaintance and intercourse for several years. They are elders, 
who are worthy of double honor, for their integrity and love to 
the cause of Truth, and their faithfulness in its defence at the 
hour of close trial, when many deserted it, and brought all the 
strength they could to bear against it. Judicious in their notice 
of ministers, they neither shrink from giving counsel and ad- 
monition when it appears needful, nor from administering en- 
couragement to those who are weary, to occupy their gifts to 
the honor of the great Griver, and to their own and the church's 
comfort. In their lives and conversation they are examples to 
the flock. Shunning parsimoniousness or ostentation, they use 
this world without abusing it ; and at their hospitable mansion 
the poor meet with cheerful relief, and the traveller and friendly 
visitor an agreeable retreat. The enjoyments in the social circle 
of their intimate friends", are heightened by the ease and free- 
dom with which they entertain them, and the consciousness of 
their wishes to render their house and society a source of plea- 
sure, as they are the means of instruction and real comfort. 
They have had their share of affliction ; but endeavoring to wash 
and anoint, they have shown the power and excellency of true 
religion, in supporting through it ; and enabling them to ani- 
mate and strengthen others with the saving strength with 
which they were mercifully sustained. May they go down to 
the grave in peace, having the full assurance of hope, that He 
whom they have served, will accompany in the valley of the 
shadow of death, and graciously confess them as his own; giving 
them an inheritance amongst them that are sanctified, incor- 
ruptible > undefiled, and that cannot fade away. 

We attended the meeting to which they belong, on first-day, 
and had to sound the alarm to those that are at ease in Zion ; 
who are in danger of contenting themselves with their out- 
ward comforts, as being rich and full, and having need of 
nothing. A word of counsel and warning was also communi- 
cated to some, who had made some straight steps and entered 
into covenant, but were in danger of losing their zeal, and be- 



[1837. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 189 

coming lukewarm, and turning back to their former delights. 
My beloved wife was favored to intercede for such, and for 
those who had few outward helps on their spiritual journey ; and 
that all of us may be favored with the choicest of blessings, pre- 
servation to the end. 

Seventh month 30th. My wife and I attended Abington 
Meeting. She had a little to communicate ; but on the whole, it 
was an exercising meeting. Dined with Margaret Shoemaker, 
the widow of our late beloved friend Charles Shoemaker, de- 
ceased a few weeks since. He was a man endowed with a good 
understanding; and through the power of Divine Grace, he had 
experienced a change of heart ; so that though he was possessed 
of an extensive knowledge of men and things, he was clothed 
with the humility and gentleness of the Christian. His conver- 
sation was instructive and interesting ; and his kind and affable 
manners rendered his society very agreeable to his friends. 
There was a dignity in his deportment, and a shrewdness and 
clearness in his observations, which commanded respect, while 
they attracted the affection of his younger friends. 

The Monthly Meeting occurring on the 31st, we attended it ; 
and the way opened to hold forth the efficacy of true faith in the 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the necessity of keeping it 
steadfastly unto the end ; that so we might fight the good fight, 
and finish our course with joy, in the prospect of receiving the 
crown of righteousness, which is laid up for all that love Him 
with sincerity. The visitations of heavenly love in early life, 
and the advantage of obeying the Divine voice, as Samuel did, 
were pressed upon the young people. It was a tendering time 
to many of them ; and my dear wife was favored to petition the 
Father of mercies, on behalf of the youth, the strong men, and 
the fathers and mothers, who had held forth a hand of help and 
encouragement to others ; but who, as they drew near the close 
of their day, were assailed with the buffetings of Satan ; and 
sometimes with fears lest they should not, at last, find that rest- 
ing place and blessed reward they longed for. We returned 
home in the evening, satisfied that we had made the visit. 

Eighth month 7th. Our Quarterly Meeting was held this 
day ; and, on the whole, was a comfortable meeting. I think 
we were helped and strengthened. 

10th. To-day I attended the Quarterly Meeting of Abington, 
held at G-ermantown. It appeared to me, that more willingness 



190 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

was needful among us, to partake of the cup and baptism which 
our Lord partook of; that we might dwell with the seed, which 
is under suffering in various ways. Were we daily preserved 
here, we should become more quick of understanding in his 
fear ; and receive qualification from Him for his service in the 
church. There is danger of being wise in the letter, and re- 
maining on the surface ; without a deep, inward acquaintance 
with the teachings of the Holy Spirit in our own hearts. 

17th. I went to Salem Quarterly Meeting, held at Wood- 
bury. After Hinchman Haines and Eebecca Hubbs had borne 
testimonies, I was engaged to hold forth the importance of 
faithfulness in little things. As our growth in the Truth was 
by slow gradations, so he that despised the day of small things, 
would fall by little and little. The departure of such from the 
straight and narrow way, as well as from the entrance into it, 
was from a small beginning ; and if we left it, though- we might 
think we kept much in the same course, yet every step took us 
further and further from it. Little things were often an indi- 
cation that some were losing that sincere love to the Truth, and 
fervent desire to walk in it, which they had once felt. It might 
be in some small departures in dress, language or manners, 
from the simplicity of the Cross, which their friends would be 
painfully affected with ; though they might not at once disclose 
to them, the sorrow and exercise which it occasioned them. 
The eye which had been closed, would be opened to look upon 
temptation ; and that eye which the Lord had anointed and 
opened to see, in measure, the beauty and excellency of the 
Truth, would become dim; and they would not be able to see 
things in the true light, as they had once seen them. Their 
judgment would be clouded; and the way opened for the temp- 
ter to gain further advantages ; and having departed from the 
path cast up for the Lord's children to walk in, they could not 
foresee where they might be permitted to wander, or into what 
temptation they might fall. Warning and invitation were ex- 
tended to the youth ; and the language of encouragement to the 
honest-hearted travellers, who might, in this day of stripping, 
be like one of a family and two of a tribe ; mourning over the 
desolations of Zion. 

28th. My wife and myself went to Burlington, to attend 
the Quarterly Meeting. Some ability was furnished to labor 
amongst them, particularly in the meeting held on third-day. 



[1837. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 191 

It appeared to be my place to hold up the glory of the Gospel 
dispensation; which consists in the universal outpouring of the 
Lord's Spirit on all flesh, agreeably to the prophecy of Joel, and 
the revelations made to John the beloved apostle ; when he saw 
the pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding 
out of the throne of God and of the Lamb ; and the universal 
invitation to partake of it, in this language: "The Spirit and 
the bride say, come: and let him that heareth say, come : and 
let him that is athirst come ; and whosoever will, let him take 
the water of life freely." The necessity of obedience to the 
early manifestations of this Divine Spirit, which, as it is re- 
ceived and obeyed, becomes as a well of living water to the thirsty 
soul ; the gradations by which the babes in Christ witness a 
growth to the state of young men and strong men in Him, and 
through mercy, if they persevere, become established as pillars 
in the Lord's house, where the streams of that river " make glad 
the city of God, the holy places of the tabernacle of the Most 
High," were opened and enforced, under the feeling and autho- 
rity of Divine love. Near the close, the condition of one or 
more, who had long resisted the strivings of this Spirit, and 
might be in danger of hearing the awful sentence, "Let him 
that is filthy be filthy still," was closely spoken to, and encour- 
aged to lay hold of the renewed offers of Holy Help. My be- 
loved wife closed the meeting with reverent, fervent prayer; 
in which the last state was feelingly included; also the dear 
children, the lambs of the fold; the young and strong; and 
those whose earthly tabernacles were tottering, but who had 
endeavored to serve the Lord in their generation. It was a 
time of renewed favor, for which we humbly desired to ascribe 
praise, and thanksgiving, and gratitude to our Heavenly Father. 
We returned home next morning. 

Ninth month 5th. Went to Westtown Boarding School, 
where the committee met on the 6th. We found the concerns 
of the institution in their usual condition. The difficulty of ob- 
taining teachers, especially men of proper age, forms an obsta- 
cle in the advancement of the interests of that seminary. 

14th. We attended Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, in which 
my wife had good service. In that for ministers and elders, I 
felt it impressed on me to revive the importance of keeping our 
places in the Truth. That however poor and stripped we may 
be; whether despised and rejected of men; if our life is preserved; 



192 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 1837.] 

if we are deriving our strength from the true Vine, all else will 
be unimportant. It is only as we keep here, that we shall be 
made quick of understanding, to detect the wiles of the enemy; 
who is ever watching to ensnare, even those who have known 
the voice.of the true Shepherd. 

15th. In the Meeting for Sufferings held to-day, the atten- 
tion of Friends was called to the changes which some were at- 
tempting to introduce in the doctrines held by the Society. 
These innovations are principally directed against the spiritual 
views which Friends have always taken of the Christian reli- 
gion, and the universal love of God to all mankind ; in provid- 
ing the means for their salvation; whether possessed of the 
Holy Scriptures or not. Such sentiments spread, over the 
Society by publications, might have the effect to alter materially 
the principles of the members, if they were permitted to pass 
without correction. The subject made a serious impression on 
many minds ; and several expressed opinions in unison with 
those at first imparted. One or two, however, seemed to be ig- 
norant of what was alluded to ; and hoped that private labor 
might be extended, where it was known that such views were 
held and propagated. Our only hope of preservation is in the 
goodness and infallible guidance of the Shepherd of the sheep, 
who can open a way for his dependent, humble followers, where 
at times there appears to be none. 

Tenth month. My wife and myself having long had a pros- 
pect of making a visit among our friends at Salem and Green- 
wich, N. J., we attended their Monthly Meetings in this month; 
in both of which we had religious service. It appeared that there 
are a few of the younger and middle-aged members, who are 
concerned for the cause of Truth, and desirous to be found in 
their right places. Encouragement was held out to these, to be 
faithful in their allotments ; that they may obtain the reward, and 
become instrumental in helping others in the straight and nar- 
row way. We returned home with peaceful feelings, and glad 
that we had made the visit. % 

28th. Our first-day evening meeting for worship for Friends 
of all the Monthly Meetings in the city, was opened. This con- 
cern was not as animating to some of us, as at previous seasons; 
though we could not feel easy to discourage the holding of the 
meeting. It was opened in an orderly, bi coming manner; and 



[1837. TOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 193 

my beloved companion appeared in solemn, tendering supplica- 
tion. 

Eleventh month 6th. Was held our Quarterly Meeting. The 
importance of having our dependence individually placed on the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and not on one another, was enforced. Many 
were concluding that but little was doing by the Society ; and 
one reason is, that we may be looking to man, instead of wait- 
ing on the Lord, to know Him to be in the midst, apportioning 
to every one his several duty and work in the church. He is 
represented in the Scriptures as a jealous God; jealous of his 
honor and glory ; which He will not give to another, nor his 
praise to graven images. It is, therefore, no marvel that gifts 
are not dispensed as they have been, while we are looking up 
to man and honoring him, instead of the Lord of life and glory. 
Were we all gathered to the place of true waiting, incense, 
kindled by fire from Him, upon the altar of the heart, would 
ascend, and He would condescend to smell a pleasant savor in 
our assemblies. Gifts, we might hope, would be bestowed, and 
babes in Christ be engaged to lisp forth his praise ; and thus an 
army would be raised to display the banner of the Prince of 
Peace. It was thought to be a solid, comfortable meeting. 

18th. This afternoon my wife and myself took the steam- 
boat for Wilmington; and attended the meeting there, on first- 
day. The floor was pretty well covered, both morning and 
afternoon. There seemed to be those who were relying too 
much on external performances; without coming sufficiently to 
the inward work of religion 7 and experiencing the regenerating 
power of the Holy Spirit. Christ was preached to them, as the 
way, the truth and the life. The Holy Scriptures, in which we 
are true believers, abundantly testify of Him ; but while many 
exalt these invaluable records, they do not, as He declared to 
the Jews, come to Him that they might have life. As the nat- 
ural life is of more importance than the food which sustains it, 
and the body than the raiment with which it is clothed, so the 
life and substance of religion are more important than the ex- 
ternal show and profession of it. We may have the latter 
without the former ; but whenever the life and power of re- 
ligion prevail, they will regulate both the heart and the outside, 
or practical performance of our religious and social duties. All 
were invited to press after this inward knowledge of Christ, 
and his cleansing baptism ; and those who had kept their 



194 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1837. 

ground in time of trial, were encouraged to maintain their re- 
liance on the same power which had heretofore sustained them. 

20th. Second-day morning. Edward Tatnall took us to 
Concord, where we attended the Quarterly Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders ; and endeavored to promote watchfulness, and 
the faithful occupancy of their gifts. 

21st. The Meeting for Worship and Discipline, in the fore- 
part, was a time of poverty, and inward struggle for the 'arising 
of Divine life ; and towards the period for entering on the busi- 
ness, it appeared right to hold forth the injunction of the Apos- 
tle, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus ; 
who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be 
equal with God, but yet made himself of no reputation, and 
took upon him the form of a servant, &c." Submission to his 
humbling power, and a willingness to become of no reputation 
amongst men, that we might be prepared for his use, and expe- 
rience preservation, were tenderly enforced. Those who were 
enduring these refining processes, were encouraged to hold fast 
the faith and patience of the saints ; and in due time they would 
witness Him to return to them, with healing in his wings, and 
receive renewed ability to engage in his work. He wounds to 
heal, and kills but to make alive again. The dear young people 
were affectionately and earnestly invited to take the yoke of 
Christ upon them ; and, forsaking those things which prevented 
their entrance into the path which He casts up, which the vul- 
ture's eye hath not seen, nor the lion's whelp trodden in ; to come 
and join themselves to those, who, above all things, were desir- 
ous of loving and serving Him. My beloved wife closed the 
meeting, with fervent prayer for the various states which had 
been spoken to. In the second meeting, David Cope was earn- 
estly engaged to stir up the young men to a faithful, diligent 
discharge of the duty of public worship, and the attendance of 
all our religious meetings. We rode, in the afternoon, to our 
brother Joseph Rhoads' at Marple. 

23d. We attended their meeting at Springfield; in which I 
felt constrained to speak on the example of our blessed Saviour, 
" Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again ; when He suf- 
fered He threatened not, but committed himself to Him that 
judgeth righteously:" from which, the virtue of Christian for- 
bearance and endurance was inculcated Several points opened 



1S3T.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 195 

respecting his character and offices, and the efficacy of his blood, 
shed for the forgiveness of sins. 

Twelfth month. Our evening meeting on first-day, the 10th, 
was quiet, but rather a low time. A want of a true harmoni 
ous labor in the one great cause, and indifferency respecting the 
object of church fellowship, will produce weakness ; and we 
shall suffer loss, both individually and as a society, in the life 
and virtue of religion. I am more and more convinced that all 
our fresh springs, both of the quickening power, and the quali- 
fication for usefulness, are in our blessed and holy Head. When 
He withdraws, we cannot availingly act for Him, or for our- 
selves, and the people. I have felt much more of my own 
weakness, for some time past, than anything like ability for the 
Lord's work. If it has but the effect, to fix the determination to 
refrain from everything which He disapproves, and to redeem 
from mere earthly enjoyments, the suffering attending it, will 
be well endured. 

16th. Our Meeting for Sufferings, held yesterday, was un- 
usually large. The subject of a more extensive dissemination 
of Friends' approved writings was brought again before it, by a 
report from the Book Committee ; which proposed the establish- 
ment of an office for their sale and distribution ; and that books 
written for the use of schools, and for the instruction of chil- 
dren, should be prepared ; some to be historical, some biogra- 
phical, and some didactic ; the latter taken from the writings 
of Friends, and illustrative of their principles and testimonies. 

30th. In conversation last evening with my beloved father, 
he said that in the course of his experience, he had remarked, 
that those Friends who manifested a disposition to palliate the 
offences of those who had broken the discipline, generally lost 
ground in a religious sense ; and those whom they were dis- 
posed to screen, rarely came to anything in the church; and 
when such fell away, they were more severe against the un- 
faithful ones, than against those, who, in the uprightness of 
their hearts, could not compromise the cause of Truth, but 
stood steadfast in its support, against wrong things. He was 
not in favor of a rigid administration of the discipline; but he 
believed that where it was kept to, in a disposition to restore, 
and when that failed to produce the effect, to keep to the judg- 
ment of Truth ; it would always be found in the end, best for 
the meeting and for the offender. 



196 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

1838, First month 3d. Having been liberated by our late 
Monthly Meeting, to visit the Meetings of Haddonfield Quarter, 
and some in Burlington, and my friend, Henry Warrington, 
havingagreed to take me in his carriage, we met at the ferry 
and went this evening to his house. Attended their meeting at 
Westfield, in silence ; next day, the Monthly Meeting of Eves- 
ham ; where the Master qualified to call upon Friends to come 
into, and maintain inward, daily watchfulness unto prayer, that 
they may witness preservation from undue attachment to the 
things of this world, and by a growth in the Truth, become 
more and more prepared to advance its cause ; and finally to re- 
ceive the end of our faith, even the salvation of the soul. It 
was a season of impressive solemnity. In the afternoon, we 
rode over to the hospitable dwelling of our beloved and honored 
friends, Josiah and Elizabeth Eeeve. They received us with the 
wonted kindness which they have shown to me for several 
years. We attended the Monthly Meeting of Upper Evesham; 
to which a large number of young Friends belong, whose ap- 
pearance indicates a respect for our profession ; and I trust, 
many of them, are at times, sincerely desirous for their own 
improvement. May they be preserved from the snares which 
Satan prepares, for those who are surrounded with the posses- 
sions and comforts of this world. 

7th. Attended Cropwell meeting ; it being first-day, and the 
weather mild and fine, a large company collected. It was 
a great trial to me to be obliged to dwell so much upon the 
dangers of being engrossed with earthly pursuits ; but my mind 
was greatly burthened with a sense of the earnest pursuit of 
many after the increase of their worldly interests. To be dili- 
gent in business, that we may provide properly for those who 
are dependent upon us, is a duty ; but it should always be pur- 
sued with reference to the blessing of our Heavenly Father; in 
seeking which, all worldly acquirement would be regarded as of 
minor and temporary importance. 

After a season of painfnl'labor, Truth rose into some dominion 
and tendered the spirits of many; and the meeting closed with 
thanksgiving and prayer to our Heavenly Father, for the pre- 
sent favor, and for the extension of his visitations to those im- 
mersed in the cares of the world ; and to the young people; 
that they might be gathered to the teaching and guidance of the 
Shepherd and Bishop of Souls. We dined and lodged at Joseph 



1838.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 197 

Evans' ; and a number of young Friends being there, after read- 
ing a few chapters in the Bible, in the evening, the way opened 
to renew the call to them, to lives of dedication, and steadfast 
walking in the Truth. Sarah Hillman, who was there, followed 
in prayer, that the word spoken that day might be blessed, aud 
have due place in the hearts of those to whom it was sent. 

On second-day morning, the 8th, we attended Haddonfield 
Monthly Meeting; and the next day, Chester Monthly Meeting, 
at Moorestown. In the latter, ability was afforded to show the 
importance of renewed baptisms, to keep the branches alive and 
vigorous in the Truth ; and to enable them to bring forth fruit, 
to the praise of the Great Husbandman. Through ease and 
negligence, we may fall into a formal way of performing our 
religious duties, and lose that heartfelt concern which we once 
experienced, and under which a growth was known. It is not 
because we are once in grace, that we shall be always so. u If 
ye abide in me," said Christ, "and my words abide in you, ye 
shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Again, 
" He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth 
much fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing." The tendering 
power of Truth accompanied ; and under it a lively interest was 
felt for Friends, that they might really witness the baptising 
power of the Holy Spirit, to purge away all inordinate attach- 
ment to the world ; and unite them together in increased love 
to God, and travail of soul, for the spreading of the kingdom 
of his dear Son. It was a comforting, strengthening oppor- 
tunity. 

The following morning we set off for Great Egg Harbor. The 
road lies through a wilderness of pine wood, about forty miles 
in width. This timber is cut for the Philadelphia and New 
York markets ; large quantities of it are consumed by steam- 
boats ; and it is also converted into charcoal for the Iron Works, 
located in different parts of the forest. TTe reached Samuel 
Leeds' near sunset, and next day, were at their week-day 
meeting. My mind was introduced into sympathy with some 
who have partaken of the cup of affliction ; and the language of 
encouragement was held forth, to labor to keep the faith and 
patience of the saints, and to profit by it, and affliction would 
prove a blessing in disguise. Several states were spoken to, 
and vocal prayer put up. for the health and strength of those 
14 



198 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

who were surrounded with difficulties; and for the prosperity of 
the Truth among them. 

At the lower end of the shore, near Somers Point, we were 
entertained by Daniel Leeds. We walked down to the marsh 
to view the great beds of oyster shells, deposited there by the 
tribes of Indians that formerly resided along these shores, and 
were the original proprietors of the lands in this State. It is a 
mournful subject to contemplate, that a people, who were the 
peaceful occupants of this and other eastern parts of these 
United States, should now be almost exterminated. Had a dis- 
position been cultivated to cherish them, and teach them the 
arts of civilized life, it is probable that many would have em- 
braced them ; and by having their lands secured and divided to 
them in suitable farms, we might suppose they could have been 
weaned from their wild habits, and embodied amongst the citi- 
zens of the country. 

The meeting appointed for us was a close, searching oppor- 
tunity for some present; and encouraging to the few, sincere 
lovers of Christ, located here, to hold on faithfully in the path 
of allotted duty ; showing forth by an example of uprightness, 
sobriety, and humble walking with God, the excellency of the 
religion they profess : by which they might be instrumental in 
drawing others to have fellowship with them, and with the 
Father and his Son Jesus Christ. We parted from them with 
feelings of true affection, and sincere desire for their best wel- 
fare. 

On first-day we attended their meeting at Tuckerton; and 
the next day the 14th, were at Barnegat; where we held a 
meeting, in a school-house, with the few Friends there, and a 
number of others. They sat in a very quiet, becoming manner, 
both during the silence, and while some of the doctrines of 
Christianity were held forth to them. The meeting ended with 
fervent prayer ; it was mostly a laborious time. 

The situation of Friends along the shore, affords very little 
hope of much succession from among the young members; many 
of them removing to Philadelphia, or other parts of the coun- 
try. 

16th. We rose early ; and with diligent travelling, reached 
Bancocas about the middle of the afternoon ; and on the fol- 
lowing day, attended their usual week-day meeting. It ap- 
peared to me. that some present had been brought to submit 



1838.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 199 

to the forming Hand, and were they obedient to the further 
openings of Truth, would become prepared for usefulness in the 
church. To these the language of encouragement was affec- 
tionately addressed ; and those were warned and entreated, who, 
notwithstanding the clear convictions of Divine light, were too 
ardently pursuing the world, and putting off the great work of 
salvation to some more convenient season. The necessity of 
worshipping and glorifying our Heavenly Father, whether we 
eat or drink, or whatever we do, was inculcated and enforced, 
as what ought to be the daily clothing and engagement of our 
spirits. In the afternoon, we went to John Bishop's ; and next 
day attended Mansfield Meeting. 

19th. Notice having been spread for a meeting this morning, 
at Crosswicks, Friends and others assembled and filled the 
house. Such meetings are not held without producing a deep 
concern that the cause of Truth may not suffer; and I went to 
it with sensations of poverty and weakness; not knowing how 
it might end. But He, whose mercies are over all his works, 
did not forsake us ; and after a time of silent waiting, I rose 
with some fear, having had the subject of the small beginnings 
of the kingdom of heaven in the heart, brought before me. The 
doctrine that " The kingdom of God cometh not with observa- 
tion ; neither shall they say, Lo here ! or Lo there ! for behold 
the kingdom of God is within you," was shown ; to set forth the 
commencement and experience of Christ's religion to be in the 
heart. It was also compared to a grain of mustard-seed, that 
a man sowed in his field; which, though the least of seeds, when 
it grew, it became the greatest among herbs. Christ gave him- 
self for our sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us 
to God ; but it is only as we receive and obey Him in his spirit- 
ual manifestations to the soul; which, though clear and certain, 
are often very small and gentle; that we can fully realize, the 
benefits of his coming, suffering and death. All present were 
solicited to give themselves into his hand; and more and more 
devote themselves to his service; that, throuffh the washino of 
regeneration, and the renewings of the Holy Spirit, they might 
be sanctified; and, partaking of the efficacy of his blood in the 
forgiveness of their sins, they might be prepared, at the awful 
period when soul and body sever, to enter those mansions of 
glory, where the morning stars sing together, and the sons of 
God shout for joy. The meeting ended with prayer for the 



200 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

strengthening of the feeble, yet sincere lovers of the Lord Jesus, 
for the confirmation of those whose hearts were touched that day, 
and for the young people; that they might be preserved from 
the principles of unbelief, and brought under the government of 
Christ; to whom with the Father, thanksgiving and praise were 
ascribed through the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

I was much overdone by the exercise ; and seemed to have 
little inclination to converse much throughout the afternoon, 
to any one. We returned to John Bishop's, and lodged. 

20th. The weather changed from a warm, damp atmosphere, 
to a clear, cold one ; by which the roads were frozen and made 
very rough. On the way to Mount Holly, we called upon our 
ancient friend John Cox, being nearly eighty-four years of age. 
He had been kept from meeting, about two months, by sick- 
ness and feebleness ; and, though not recovered altogether, he 
received us with his wonted cheerful and courteous manner. 
After sitting and conversing nearly an hour, we took leave of 
him, with feelings of respect and affection ; and proceeded to 
Mount Holly, and held a meeting by appointment at two o'clock; 
which was satisfactory. 

On first-day morning, the 21st, we attended Burlington Meet- 
ing. Many experienced and gifted members have been re- 
moved by death, within the last thirty years, and few have risen 
in their places, in this meeting. The importance of regard- 
ing this and other events, as teachers, to quicken their attention 
to the inspeaking word of faith, was pressed upon them ; as well 
as the benefits of faithfulness, as evidenced by those, whoso 
lives are devoted to the truth. My mind was relieved, under a 
clothing of affectionate solicitude for the cause of Christ, and for 
the best welfare of the audience. 

22d. On second-day morning, we held a meeting at Easton; 
which was a painful season; being brought under the appre- 
hension that some, who had begun well, were in danger of 
coming short of the crown. 

Lodged that night at the house of my kind and very attentive 
companion H. Warrington. After I had taken an affectionate 
leave of his wife and daughter, commending them to the Shep- 
herd of Israel, he conveyed me down to the ferry; and I soon 
reached my beloved family and home; where I found all in good 
health, and glad to have me returned to them again. My mind has 
been favored with peacefulness, though made sensible that I am 



[1838. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 201 

a poor, unprofitable servant; unable to do or say any good 
thing, without the help of Him, who I desire may be my Lord 
and Master. 



CHAPTER X. 
1838—1839. 



Visit with a Committee to Muncy and Exeter Monthly Meetings — Accom- 
panies his Wife on a religious visit to two Quarterly Meetings in New York 
— Causes of Discouragement — Death of his Father — His Character — Visit 
to Cain and Western Quarterly Meetings. 

Fifth month 12th. A committee, of which I was one, having 
been appointed by the Quarterly Meeting, to visit Muncy. and 
Exeter Monthly Meetings, and their branches, we set off this 
morning ; and reaching Pottstown, half of the number atten- 
ded the meeting there, on first-day, and the rest that at Exeter, 
ten miles further on our way. Here I was enabled, after a sea- 
son of silent waiting, in which poverty and emptiness were felt, 
to enter a little into the states of some present, and to minister 
to them under renewed help ; and my dear friend, Sarah Hil- 
man, appeared in vocal prayer. Several substantial Friends, 
members of this — Exeter Meeting — have latterly been removed 
by death ; and the younger Friends, not having much experi- 
ence, feel their reduced condition. Our companions joined us 
in the afternoon from Pottstown ; and on second-day morning. 
we set out for Fishing Creek, which we reached on fourth-day ; 
distance about ninety miles. Attended their Preparative Meet- 
ing next day ; and there labored to impress the elders, overseers. 
and parents of children, with the responsibility of their respec- 
tive stations. There were a few names, even in Sardis. who 
had not defiled their garments ; and those here who had been 
favored to resist the corrupt principles by which others were 
swept away, were not to sit down in ease, and negligence of the 
flock ; but to watch over them, and warn and restrain in the au- 
thority and ability which the Truth gives. Thus they would 
be clear of the blood of others, and might be instrumental in 
preserving them from the snares which surround ; and even to 



202 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

gather into the true sheepfold. Thomas Kite closed the meet- 
ing, with some suitable exhortation enforcing the previous 
exercise. That night we lodged at Andrew Eves'; and next 
morning w T ent to Muncy. Here we procured a wagon to con- 
vey one company to Elkland, a settlement of Friends in the 
Allegheny Mountains, thirty miles further northwest ; for which 
place four of us set out on seventh-day morning. Parts of 
the road are rough and mountainous, and not very wide; so 
that some of the eminences were dangerous to drive over. Our 
horses were true and able, which are very necessary qualities 
on such roads, and we got through in pretty good time ; being 
a little before sundown. Lodged at Joel and Ellen McCarty's ; 
the latter a minister with a good gift. The meeting-house is 
five miles further on, at Hogeland's settlement ; a piece of as 
bad road as I ever passed over. We attended the meeting, 
and were favored with the presence and help of Him who knows 
all our wants, and qualifies to speak to the conditions of the 
people. It was shown that faithfulness to our duty was to be 
proved by the fruits of righteousness; that it was possible to 
make much profession, and to be active in outward performan- 
ces ; all which might be done with an unchanged heart ; but if 
so, it would avail us no good ; it was necessary to have the in- 
side of the cup and platter first cleansed, and then the outside 
would be made clean also. Some were closely spoken to, and 
the tendering power of Truth came over us. Our friend, 
Ellen McCarty, has been a good example of diligence and exer- 
tion in getting to their meeting, often through much difficulty. 
Hearing of a militia muster about three miles from her residence, 
she felt drawn to go there, and by her faithful dealing with some 
of the young men there assembled, she convinced two of them 
of the unlawfulness of war; and they afterwards joined the 
Society of Friends ; and the wife of one of them, we were in- 
formed, had appeared in the ministry. Our feelings were much 
interested in this place and people, and we felt hopes that truth 
would spread amongst them, and their condition in many re- 
spects become improved. 

21st. On second-day morning we resumed our wagon and 
retraced our rough road deliberately, seldom out of a walk. 
The streams of water, which are very numerous in Pennsyl- 
vania, are remarkable for their transparency. Elk Creek 
and Loyal-Sock are beautiful. The former falls from an emi- 



1838.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 203 

nence of forty feet, in sight from the road. We walked to 
it, and found the passage to it was a large cavity, apparently 
cut out of a rocky mountain, ending in a breastwork, over which 
the creek falls ; the walls rising on each side of the stream. 
The rays of the sun being shut out, the spray and surrounding 
stone work, from which water constantly oozed, kept the atmos- 
phere quite cool there ; though a few yards out of it, the tem- 
perature was oppressively warm. A considerable mass of ice, 
left from the preceding winter, still remained under the pro- 
jecting walls of rocks We got to the house of our friend, 
Mercy Ellis, before dark ; our women Friends being a good deal 
wearied. 

On third-day morning, 22d, we called upon two ancient Friends, 
one of them, Elizabeth Kitely, a minister, in the ninety-sixth 
year of her age. She seemed full of gratitude to her Divine 
Master for the comforts which she enjoys; and though her mem- 
ory of late occurrences fails her, she expressed much gladness at 
seeing us. She said her candle was nearly burnt out ; and the pre- 
ceding night she thought would have been her last. Mercy Ellis 
informed us that when of ability to travel, she had often stopped 
at houses of strangers, as she felt her mind attracted, and would 
communicate counsel and advice ; particularly to persons who 
appeared to be in low circumstances, and not in the way of re- 
ligious instruction. It was truly pleasant and cheering to see 
one so far advanced, recounting her blessings, and seeming to 
feel nothing but peace. It formed a happy contrast with a fret- 
ful, discontented mind; so undesirable in one who has nearly 
done with this world, and ought to be clothed with a heavenly 
frame, waiting in faith for an entrance into a better. 

The afternoon proved very wet, and we were glad to get 
under the roof of our kind friends, Andrew Eves and wife, at 
Fishing Creek, after a ride of twenty miles. The next day at- 
tended Muncy Monthly Meeting, held at Greenwood. Still very 
rainy, which we apprehended made the meeting smaller than it 
would otherwise have been. The way opened for some labor 
in both meetings, and Friends appeared glad of the visit. The 
members of this Monthly Meeting are scattered over a great 
extent of country ; which makes it difficult for the overseers to 
extend that care which their welfare and that of the Society 
require. On fifth-day morning, 24th, we left the comfortable 
residence of our friend, David Masters, and rode thirty-five 



204 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

miles to Spohn's tavern, on the Broad Mountain ; lodged there. 
Next morning stopped at Pottsville to breakfast, and to repair a 
broken stay on one of the carriages ; and that evening reached 
Maiden Creek ; part of the company putting up at Sybilla 
Starr's, and the other at Enos Lee's. Our kind and valuable 
friend Jeremiah Starr, died on the day of our late select Quarterly 
Meeting. He will be much missed by the members of his own 
meeting, and we felt the blank made in his family. We visited 
the families of Friends there on seventh-day, and attended their 
meeting on first-day ; which to me was a very laborious time ; 
a number of persons being present who, according to my feel- 
ings, were very little acquainted with the work of religion in 
their own hearts. It appeared to be my place to hold forth the 
universal operation of Divine Grace upon the heart, as the con- 
victor for sin, and the regenerator of the heart, where it is 
received and submitted to. Very little relief was obtained, and 
I felt depressed in spirit on returning to our lodgings. 

Third-day the 29th, was employed in finishing a visit to the 
families of Friends in Exeter; in which a degree of heavenly 
help was extended, enabling us to enter into the states of the 
visited ; though we felt our own weakness. On the following 
day attended the Monthly Meeting ; in which some of the com- 
mittee labored for their help. There are some honest-hearted 
Friends here, who sigh over the low condition of the church, and 
desire its enlargement in the life of religion. Touk an affection- 
ate leave of our very kind friends, and lodged that night at 
Pottstown, and the next afternoon joined our beloved families 
at our respective homes. The review of this journey affords 
peace ; for I believe we did endeavor to fulfil our mission accor- 
ding to the ability granted, and to avoid giving offence on any 
occasion. 

Sixth month 11th. The streams of Divine life feel much 
blocked up, by some secret cause ; so that mourning and heavi- 
ness have been my portion for some days past. In addition to 
this, trade is much depressed; which renders the means of sub- 
sistence more uncertain. But my faith in the unfailing good- 
ness and providence of an Almighty Protector, has not been 
permitted to fail. We have many more comforts than we have 
any right to expect; and have so far been enabled to perform 
all those little services called for, away from home, without im- 
properly neglecting the business, or the oversight of our fami- 



1838.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 205 

lies. This I consider a very incumbent duty, and which may 
be neglected more than we are aware of, if unwatchfulness over- 
take us. Many of the sincerely exercised members of our So- 
ciety have been wading along for many years under deep dis- 
couragement, at the little evidence they have of the Truth 
gaining ground among us, in this Yearly Meeting. The late 
separation cut off many, who ought now to be fathers and 
mothers, brothers and sisters in the church. Some, since that 
period, have experienced changes, and made an open acknow- 
ledgment of the Truth; but do not come forth in that useful- 
ness which Christ would qualify for and lead into, had they kept 
their covenants, by obedience to Him. The trials of those who 
have been endeavoring to encourage and strengthen their bre- 
thren, hoping against hope, have been latterly augmented by 
the dissemination of other unsound sentiments in the Society. 

18th. Our meetings for worship yesterday, both morning 
and afternoon, were depressing and lifeless seasons ; at least as 
regards my feelings. There seemed but little capacity even to 
huuger and thirst after righteousness; and nothing like minis- 
tering to others. I thought of the appellation by which our 
Almighty Father is denominated in Scripture : "The Lord that 
hideth his face from the house of Jacob." Sometimes sin sepa- 
rates between Him and us ; and sometimes He veils his presence, 
to prove the love and allegiance of his children, and to humble 
them under a feeling of their nothingness, and want of all things 
without Him. 

Seventh month 1st. Notwithstanding the warmth of the 
weather, and the number of members absent in the country, our 
morning meeting was large ; and my wife was led to speak to 
the states of many present, in a feeling and affecting manner. 
I was drawn to kneel in supplication to the Father of mercies, 
that He would administer to the respective states of those assem- 
bled before Him ; cause the Angel of his presence to encamp 
round about us ; and preserve, in an especial manner, the dear 
children, from the temptations to which they are exposed. 
Some hearts were humbled ; and solemnity spread over us. 

4th. To-day we had two marriages at our meeting ; a very 
large concourse attended. They were addressed on the import- 
ance of living conformably with the doctrines and precepts of 
our blessed Saviour; as laid down in the Holy Scriptures. A 
woman minister knelt in prayer; and, considering the occasion 



206 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

and the mixed company, Friends thought the meeting was held 
with religious weight. 

Eighth month 17th. My wife having a concern to attend 
the Quarterly Meetings of Nine Partners and Stanford, in the 
State of New York, and a few meetings belonging to them, ob- 
tained a minute from the Monthly Meeting; and as the journey 
was not likely to require much time, and feeling drawn to ac- 
company her, the meeting gave me a minute of its approbation. 
We did not leave home without feelings of reluctance and dis- 
couragement ; not knowing what might be our lot. But having 
nothing in view, except the discharge of our duty, we set out 
on the 3d of this month, and reached Poughkeepsie, on the 
North Kiver, one hundred and seventy-five miles, about half- 
past nine o'clock. The weather was fine, and the whole passage 
was pleasant ; the evening being moonlit, which rendered the 
river and the highlands beautifully picturesque. Our boat 
moved with great ease and celerity; and the engine worked 
with uncommonly little jar. 

On seventh-day morning, the 4th, our kind and beloved friend 
Smith Upton, met us at Poughkeepsie, and took us to a Friend's 
house on our way to Beekman. 

First-day attended Beekman Meeting, in which we both had 
some service tending to show the importance of steadfast de- 
votion to our religious duties. Next morning, the Friend at 
whose house we lodged, gave us a passage to Oblong. We at- 
tended the Quarterly Meeting, and a meeting for public wor- 
ship, on fourth-day. My wife, and our friend J. W. of New 
York, had the principal part of the service. There are a num- 
ber of young Friends, of both sexes, whose appearance would 
lead us to hope they are concerned for themselves, and for the 
maintenance of the cause of Truth; and they had our sincere 
desires and labors for their preservation and growth in it. 

Next morning we proceeded to the residence of our friend 
Sarah Hull, at Stanford. In the Select Quarterly Meeting held 
here, J. W. recited the communication of the Master to his 
disciples, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift 
you as wheat;" also, that of the Apostle Paul, "If any man 
preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, 
let him be accursed ;" and held forth the language of warning, 
and counsel to watchfulness. 

I found it my place to encourage those who had received gifts, 









1838.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 207 

to occupy them under their Lord's guidance and direction ; fol- 
lowing Him in faith. 

In the Quarterly Meeting, on sixth- day, I stood up with the 
injunction to one of the ancient churches, and which is applica- 
ble to some in the present day : " Be watchful, and strengthen 
the things which remain that are ready to die ; for I have not 
found thy works perfect before God." To be qualified to 
strengthen others, we must be sensible of our own weakness 
and imperfections ; and in our humiliation before the Lord, in 
his own time He will arise, and clothe with ability to labor 
in his cause, for the help of others. It appeared to me there 
was need for individual examination; that the things which 
remain, but are ready to die, might be strengthened; and 
the works of some be made more perfect before the Lord, than 
they had yet ever been. The reduced state of this meeting, 
in point of numbers, is affecting ; and but very few young mem- 
bers are coming up, under the preparing hand of the Lord, for 
service in the church. 

Having no meeting appointed on seventh-day, we staid at the 
pleasant residence of our kind friend Sarah Hull, widow of that 
excellent minister of the Gospel, Henry Hull. 

First-day 12th. Attended Stanford Meeting in the morning, 
and one appointed at the Creek in the afternoon. My dear 
wife had the chief of the service in both. I trust they were 
held to profit, to individuals who were present. Next day we 
had a meeting at Nine Partners, in which she found it her place 
to treat on the subject of the ministry. I felt engaged to hold 
forth a warning against the danger of forsaking the Truth, and 
joining with that which will deprive us of the crown, that is 
in reserve for those who continue to the end with our Lord, in 
the temptations or trials which beset his church and cause. 
" Blessed is the man that endureth temptation ; for when he is 
tried, he shall receive the crown of life." When his fidelity and 
allegiance are fully proved, his Lord will come forth and reward 
him with his presence and acceptance ; and as such hold out to the 
end, the incorruptible crown of glory will be mercifully granted 
to them, in the kingdom of their Father. AVe returned in the 
evening to our friend Asa Upton's and spent the next day there, 
and at the houses of his brothers, Paul and Smith. 

On fourth-day, the 15th, we took our departure homeward, 
where we arrived in safety, the next afternoon ; having the 



208 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1838. 

clothing of peacefulness in the fulfilment of this little portion of 
duty. 

Ninth month. On the 11th I went with my brother Joel to 
Westtown School. "We had a very tendering time in the meet- 
ing there, in the forenoon. The danger of losing our first love, 
and relying upon what we have known in time past, without 
experiencing the renewed baptisms of the Holy Spirit, was 
held up to veiw. In this condition we may be deceived respect- 
ing ourselves, and suppose that we are in a better state than 
we really are. Watchfulness unto prayer, and the disposition 
to desire those proving dispensations, wherein we experience 
a being baptised into the likeness of Christ's death and suffering, 
were recommended ; that thus we might, from season to season, 
be raised up into newness of life ; and be qualified from experi- 
ence, to testify to the Truth ; and not merely because we have 
read or heard of it, through others. Sarah Emlen knelt, re- 
turning thanks for the present favor, and praying that messen- 
gers might be sent forth to roll the stone from the well's mouth, 
as it had been done that day ; that so the flocks might be 
watered ; that the word preached might sink deep into the 
hearts of some present, who were ashamed to confess their 
Lord before men ; and that their eyes might be anointed to 
see, and to discriminate between the chaff and the wheat ; the 
alloy and the precious gold and silver. It was a season of re- 
newing our strength and confidence in the mercy and goodness 
of the unslumbering Shepherd of Israel ; for which we desired, 
in reverence and humility, to return thanks to his great and 
worthy name. 

I staid the afternoon meeting, and also sat with the boys in 
the collecting room ; in. both of which, counsel was extended on 
other subjects; and on the next morning returned to Springfield, 
and so home ; enjoying the calm of peaceful poverty, yet well 
satisfied that I went. 

25th. Yesterday my wife and myself attended Frankford 
Monthly Meeting, held at G-ermantown. It was a day of Divine 
favor ; the blessed Head of the Church qualifying us both, to 
preach the Gospel to the weary and tried amongst them, and to 
the younger members; inviting them, under the influence of 
heavenly love, to obey the discoveries of the light of Christ, 
and taking his yoke upon their necks, to follow Him whither- 
soever He leads. 



1838.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 209 

From the state of many meetings, there is reason to fear a 
declension from the life and power of religion amongst us is 
taking place. Death is removing the older members, and com- 
paratively few of the younger, appear to be coming forth in dedi- 
cation to the work of the Lord. Unless the Head of the church 
turns his hand upon sons and daughters, and raises up a band of 
faithful laborers, clothing them with zeal as with a garment, for 
his cause and honor's sake, there is reason to fear, that in some 
places, the Society may become a desolation. Such a picture is 
truly mournful ; but what can we expect, when so little fruit 
has been produced, after so many gifts and favors have been 
conferred upon us. 

Eleventh month 30th. The ministry of the Gospel is a mys- 
tery to those who are unacquainted with the teachings and 
movings of the Spirit of Christ in the heart. I have many 
times been instructed by the gradual unfolding of matter, de- 
signed to be communicated in a religious assembly. If we are 
not preserved in patience, it is possible to miss the particular 
point which is designed to be held up to view, or to give a wrong 
construction to the portion of Scripture brought before the mind 
He who has the work in his own hand, and sees the wants of 
the people, can alone prepare the creature for his service, and 
that which He intends for thein to do. There is at the present 
time much unsettlement among many of the members of our 
Society. They are attracted by wordy, doctrinal discourses, 
which fill the head, and leave the heart little benefitted. An 
aversion is produced to a spiritual, practical ministry, which 
lays open the negligence and unfaithfulness of the profes- 
sors, and insists on the indispensable necessity of self-denial, 
and a steadfast following of Christ in. the way of the cross. 
Many appear to want a religion without a cross ; and to be 
ranked among the followers of Christ, without yielding to the 
baptisms and humiliations which He introduces the obedient 
soul into. But this desire is vain; and all that such may hear 
w^ill avail nothing, unless they are brought to Christ; and, in 
the submissiveness of little children, take his yoke upon them, 
and follow the leadings and discoveries of his divine and saving 
light in the secret of the heart. 

Twelfth month 1st. My wife and I went to our beloved 
friends Josiah and Elizabeth Eeeve's, near Medford, New Jer- 
sey, and attended the meeting there ; in which we both had 



210 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1839. 

service. Our love for these dear Friends increases as they draw 
near to the period when the church is to be deprived of their 
counsel and consistent example. They have watched faithfully 
over the flock committed to their trust in that meeting, and 
have been favored with the spirit of wisdom and discernment 
in the discharge of their religious duties, as elders and overseers 
in the church. 

1839, Second month. At our Monthly Meeting I obtained 
liberty to visit the Western and Cain Quarterly Meetings, and 
the meetings composing them. As our own Quarterly Meeting 
occurs in the early part of the Second month, I deferred leaving 
home ; intending soon after to set out on the proposed visit. 
Our friend Daniel Wheeler arrived in this city on the 1st of the 
Second month, and attended both the Select and General Quar- 
terly Meetings. His services were very acceptable to Friends ; 
his doctrine corresponding with the ancient principles of the 
Society, and tending to bring the minds of the hearers to the 
work of religion, and to the teachings of Christ in their own 
hearts. 

My dear and honored father had been in a declining state 
of health for several months, and on fourth-day the 30th of 
last month, had a severe chill. Though he came down stairs 
on the following morning, he found himself too much prostra- 
ted in strength to remain, and accordingly returned to his bed; 
which he left but little until removed by death. It being pro- 
posed to call in a consulting physician he declined, saying, that 
at his time of life it Avas not probable he could continue here 
long, and he was entirely satisfied with what his son, the attend- 
ing physician, might do for him. He daily grew weaker, until 
he departed, on sixth-day morning the 8th, a little after eight 
o'clock. He was nursed by his children, who watched him with 
much solicitude. One morning when asked how he was, he re- 
plied, "very quiet — very quiet, but very weak." I remarked, 
it was a trial to have those removed, at this time, who have 
long stood for the defence of the Truth. He rejoined, " I have 
felt a great deal on that account, a great deal. I am satisfied 
there is a spirit at work which would lay waste the ancient pro- 
fession and doctrines of our Society, and draw Friends away 
from the spirituality of that which they have once known ; and 
many are catched with it." 

During the first three days of his confinement, his mind ap- 









1C39.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 211 

peared to be under exercise, and though, as was usual with bim, 
be said little of his own exercises, I believe he was introduced 
into a very humbling view of himself, and made deeply sensi- 
ble of the frailties which pertain to man ; and that it is only 
through Divine mercy, after we have done the will of God, that 
we are accepted at last. *He became settled in a holy confi- 
dence ; being gathered and centered to the sure foundation, 
Christ Jesus, the hope of the saints' glory. He endured with 
patience the infirmities produced by advanced age and disease ; 
alluded with much serenity to his approaching close ; and the 
peacefulness and heavenly settlement which were felt, gave 
evidence that his eye was firmly fixed on the eternal recom- 
pense, laid up in store for those who follow the Lamb of God, 
whithersoever He leadeth. He retained the use of his faculties 
to the last, and expired without any struggle, or the change of 
a feature. To his children it was a solemn and affecting event ; 
and to the Society, in which he has long stood as a faithful 
watchman, his removal will be felt as leaving a blank that can- 
not soon be filled. He was favored with a clear, sound and 
discerning mind ; and soon detecting the specious appearances 
of the enemy, he raised his voice with unwavering firmness 
against them ; and though he often incurred the censure of the 
superficial professor, and of those who sought the honor of men, 
yet he kept his ground, and very generally proved that his 
judgment was correct. He was faithful in waiting for the aris- 
ing of the power of Truth in our religious assemblies, both 
for worship and discipline. It was his delight and life to feel 
it, both in himself and in the services of others ; and when he 
was sensible of it, it was his authority for his own movements, 
and satisfied him respecting others, however simple and un- 
learned they might be. The interment took place on second- 
day morning the 11th, and the solemnity which prevailed in the 
house and over the company, there and at the ground, was very 
remarkable ; it was in character with his love of silence and his 
deep inward waiting, rather than the expression of many words. 
After the decease of my dear parent, I concluded to put off 
the proposed visit to Cain and the Western Quarters, until the 
close of our Yearly Meeting ; but in the course of a week or 
two, the apprehension came over me, that it would be unsafe to 
defer it, lest it might lose its freshness ; and that the Lord's 
work is not to be done in man's time. Accordingly, I left home, 



212 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 1839.] 

with my brother Joseph Evans, and on the 23d of the Second 
month, rode to Bradford. 

Attended that meeting on first-day ; in which I was engaged 
to revive the language of Elisha, after the removal of Elijah ; 
"Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" and thence to show the 
necessity of the enquiry after that Almighty power, which 
raised up our ancient Friends, and made them a substantial, 
spiritually-minded people ; and to endeavor to stir up Friends 
to more zeal and devotion ; that through their example, the 
young people might be enlisted under the government of the 
Prince of Peace. 

On second-day morning we rode over to East Cain ; the tra- 
velling being very heavy. I was encouraged to hope, that 
there are a number of young men here who love the Truth ; 
and that, in time, they will be prepared to be useful in the 
church. Third-day morning was very wet, and yet a pretty 
large company collected at Downingtown. The emptiness of 
all worldly possessions, as the means of procuring true happi- 
ness ; the vanity of man in his best estate, surrounded by all 
that he can acquire; and the certainty of death, were brought 
into view ; and the necessity of redemption from the world, and 
an entire dedication to the will and service of God, were affec- 
tionately enforced. It was a season of favor, in whi^h the 
tendering influences of Divine love spread over us ; and thanks- 
giving and prayer were offered for the favor, and for the 
strength and preservation of different classes, in the right way. 
Fourth-day at Uwchlan. The people were nearly all strangers 
to me, and I had hard labor with the spirit of infidelity ; but 
was enabled to warn those, faithfully, who were led away with 
it. It was a solemn opportunity, after which I felt clear and 
peaceful. Next day we attended an appointed meeting at Nant- 
meal, where very few Friends remain. The peculiar blessings 
of the New Covenant, in which the Divine law is written in 
the heart, and we are under no absolute necessity to apply to 
man for a knowledge of it, the Lord having placed his Spirit 
in the hearts of all men, were opened to the people ; a number 
not professing with Friends being present. I was led to say, 
that where He who ascended up on high, had given gifts for 
the work of the ministry, the duty of such was, to turn the at- 
tention to Christ; who by his grace, which brings salvation, 
appears in the heart; that their hearers might come to be 



1839.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 213 

taught and led by Him, and know Him to become their Re- 
deemer and Saviour, the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, 
indeed. 

Attended Eobeson Preparative Meeting ; and the following 
day, we got to the comfortable residence of our beloved friend 
and mother in the Truth, Hannah Gibbons, at Lampeter, before 
dark. Such stopping-places are peculiarly grateful to those 
who have left all, in the service of their Lord and Master. Under 
the roofs of such, they often find fathers and mothers, brothers 
and sisters, and enjoy houses and lands, as if their own ; thus 
realizing the promises of Christ to his poor, yet dedicated dis- 
ciples. Attended their meeting on first-day (3d of Third month ;) 
in which the little company was permitted to drink together of 
the consolation and strength wherewith the Master rewards 
them that keep the watch, faithfully, for his coming ; and the 
young were affectionately invited to come under his yoke, that 
they might witness preservation from the allurements of the 
world. 

On second-day morning, we had an appointed meeting at 
West Cain, and another in the afternoon at East Sadsbury. 
Both of them were seasons wherein Holy help was extended, 
to minister to the states of the people. When we got to West 
Cain, we found that a separatist from New York had appointed 
a meeting at the same time and place; which at first felt try- 
ing to us ; but being early at the house, we took our seats, en- 
deavoring to retire in spirit to the Master, for his help and 
direction. Friends gathered pretty promptly, and filled the 
gallery and the seats under it; and notice having been spread, 
that two ministers were to be there, the house was early filled 
by Friends and others. A Friend sitting near us, told us after 
the meeting closed, that two men, one of whom he supposed to 
be the separatist, came into the yard, and then rode away. 
Most probably, seeing the gallery and house filled, they declin- 
ed attempting to force themselves on the meeting; of which we 
were truly glad ; and thankful to the great Head of the churcl 
for his goodness, in solemnizing the meeting, and qualifying to 
preach redemption and salvation through Him. It was as quiet 
and orderly a meeting as I have almost ever sat in; and ended 
with thanksgiving for His continued mercy, and prayer for the 
help of those who had been made sensible of it. 

The Monthly Meeting of Sadsbury, held to-day, the 5th, wa? 
15 



214 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS [1839. 

large. To deliver close doctrine amongst our Friends is a trial; 
but sometimes the danger of resting in an outside show of reli- 
gion, while the heart is unchanged, makes it necessary to search 
Jerusalem as with candles; and to call upon the men of Israel 
to renew the examination of themselves, as they may be fav- 
ored with the visitations of the Searcher of Hearts ; who is of 
purer eyes than to look on iniquity in his church and people. 
It was a solemn season ; and though it is more pleasant to the 
creature to pour in the oil and the wine, yet I believe no offence 
was taken at the doctrine delivered. 

Fourth-day had an appointed meeting at Bart, which was 
satisfactory; and the next day attended the Monthly Meeting 
of London Grove, held at Fallowfield. Lodged at S. Swain's, 
and held a meeting in Friends' House at London Grove, which 
was a favored time. The importance of individual faithfulness 
was held up to view; and the doctrine of salvation through the 
merits and mediation of Christ, and the sanctification of the 
Spirit, was preached ; and the certainty of the Stone, cut out of 
the mountain without hands, increasing and overpowering all 
opposition, in the Lord's time, was declared in the authority of 
Truth. We tarried until the following noon with our kind 
friend Isaac Pusey andw T ife; visited his relative Edith Edge 
and her daughter, who were at home. It was refreshing to find 
there are those, in many places, whose minds are in good mea- 
sure imbued with the love of Christ, and their conduct and 
appearance circumspect. From amongst these we hope to see 
faithful soldiers raised up, who will not flinch from suffering 
and reproach; but, growing in grace and strength, will vali- 
antly maintain the testimonies which our Holy Head communi- 
cated to us to hold forth in the world, and for which our devoted 
forefathers suffered many privations, and not a few, even death. 

The meeting at West Grove was laborious, under a sense that 
many are engrossed with the things of time ; and not coming 
forward in that dedication to the Lord's will which He re- 
quires; and thus the testimonies of Truth are in danger of fall- 
ing to the ground among them. I missed the help of the spirits 
of William Jackson and his wife; two ancient and substantial 
ministers, who were removed a few years since to their everlast- 
ing reward. They were living when I last visited this meet- 
ing; and not only treated me with much affection, but were a 



1839] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 215 

strength and comfort, from their staidness of mind, and deep 
indwelling with the Seed of J)h ine life in their hearts. 

On first-day morning attended London-Britain Meeting. The 
day was fine, and without notice, the members generally, witn 
some not of us, convened. The impossibility of the natural 
man comprehending Divine things; and the indispensable need 
of regeneration, to enable us to see the kingdom of God, were 
subjects brought before me; and in the ability afforded, I la- 
bored with some there, to bring them to see that all their 
acquirements, without a change of heart, would avail them 
little ; that those who thought they knew something in relation 
to the things of God, which they had collected by study and the 
exertions of their own faculties, as men, knew nothing in those 
things as they ought to know. There seemed to be a self-suffi- 
ciency in some, which rendered it hard work to obtain much 
relief. A Friend, after the meeting, expressed that he did not 
marvel at the labor; and though I alluded to the trial it is to 
have to deal with such spirits, he said he wished me to be faith- 
ful, and to be encouraged. 

Second-day morning we rode to New Garden, and a pretty 
large company of Friends and their neighbors convened; and 
though I felt somewhat depressed, yet the good Master conde- 
scended to afford help. Quiet and solemnity spread over us, 
and I was opened on the importance of a wakeful, watchful 
state in our respective allotments in the church ; being with- 
drawn from all improper dependence on man, and having our 
reliance placed on Him, without whom the watchman waketh 
in vain, and they labor in vain who build the house. Some 
hearts were humbled and tendered. 

On third and fourth-days held meetings at Hockessin and 
Kennett. These two, form a Monthly Meeting, in which there 
are but few young men who appear like Friends. Most of them 
having become involved in the spirit, and habits, and principles 
of the world, they have lost the simplicity of the Truth, and the 
love for its cause, which is the noblest object that can claim the 
devotion of our time and talents; and which will truly dignify 
and render man useful. The sensations of my mind were 
mournful, from a feeling of the great degeneracy of not a few 
of the children, even of valuable members of the Society, and I 
left them with heaviness. After dining, we rode twenty miles 
to my brother's residence at Springfield, and found his family in 



216 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1839. 

good health. Next morning I got to my own home, which I 
think I rarely ever entered with more peaceful ness. I desire to 
bless and to thank my Lord and Master with humility and re- 
verence, for the sweet reward ; and to be preserved amid the 
temptations which yet await my earthly pilgrimage. 



CHAPTEE XI. 
1839—1841. 



Yearly Meeting — Visits various Meetings in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting — 
Baltimore Quarterly Meeting — Visit to Westbury and Purchase Quarterly 
Meetings — Attends the Yearly Meeting in Virginia — Death of his Son. 

Fourth month 9th. The Yearly Meeting being near at hand, 
brings with it an unusual degree of concern, respecting the 
manner in which it will be held. It is greatly to be feared, that 
some have become blinded by a spirit which is seeking to draw 
Friends away from the spirituality of our holy profession, and 
to bring them into an alliance with the friendships of the 
world. 

Nothing short of the extension of Divine help, can preserve 
our poor Society from destraction and division. May our trust 
and confidence be placed in the protecting arm of the Shepherd 
of Israel, who has ever been the defence of his dependent chil- 
dren ; and though He may permit them to go into deep baptism 
and suffering, as they endeavor to keep their faith and reliance 
in Him, He will bring them up again, rejoicing in his mercy 
and faithfulness. 

On third-day morning, the Yearly Meeting entered on the 
Queries and Answers, and Friends were favored to speak suita- 
bly to the different subjects; holding up the importance of 
public Divine worship, and the preservation of the unity which 
stands in Christ; wherein we should all speak the same lan- 
guage, and harmonize in our various labors to promote the cause 
of Truth in the church and in the world. Our ancient testi- 



1839.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 217 

mony to the Light of Christ, as the primary rule of faith and 
practice, and the subordination of the Scriptures to it, was held 
forth, and a general concern was manifest to keep Friends to 
our religious profession. Throughout the various sittings, the 
meeting was favored with much solemnity. 

In the Fifth month, I attended Cain and the Western Quar- 
ters, and was enabled to labor in them under the influence of 
Gospel love, for the encouragement of sound-hearted Friends, 
and to draw others away from the inordinate love and pursuit 
of worldly things. The last meeting was one of renewed 
favor. 

Eighth month 5th. Jacob Green from Ireland, on a second 
visit to this country, attended our Quarterly Meeting. I felt a 
strong desire that he might be baptised into the states of in- 
dividuals and of meetings where he visited ; and through the 
quickening power of Him, who declared Himself to be "the 
resurrection and the life," be enabled to minister, so as to reach 
the life in others, who desire to be fed with that food only 
which comes from the Divine hand ; and feeling incited thereto, 
I ventured to express it, as my sincere and tender desire for 
him. 

My dear wife brought before the meeting a concern to attend 
the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Indiana, and to visit some 
meetings belonging to them, &c, for which she had a certificate 
of concurrence from our Monthly Meeting. 

8th. I attended Abington Quarterly Meeting, and was en- 
abled to hold forth the doctrine of our Lord, when He thanked 
the Father that he had hid the mysteries of his kingdom from 
the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes. That un- 
regenerate man with all his wisdom and natural powers, was 
unable to discover the truth as it is in Jesus. His pride led 
him to overlook it, as too simple and too little for him to be- 
lieve in. It was only as he was brought down into the dust; 
into a humble, childlike state, that he could be prepared to 
have these things revealed to him. " Except ye be converted 
and become as little children, ye cannot enter the kingdom of 
heaven;" and unless we enter the kingdom of the dear Son of 
God and come under his government, we cannot see the things 
that pertain thereto. When we are brought here, He will re- 
veal the knowledge of God, and those things which belong to 
our everlasting peace ; and this knowledge of God and of his 



218 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1839. 

beloved Son, as it is thus revealed, is life eternal to the soul. Much 
more was opened, and the meeting was brought under a solemn 
covering. A woman Friend closed the meeting in humble, fer- 
vent prayer that the solemn truths delivered that day, might be 
sealed on every heart, and that the praise might be ascribed to 
the Lord alone to whom it belongs. 

27th. Having some time felt a draft to the Quarterly Meet- 
ing of Bucks, I took the car to Trenton and thence the stage to 
New Hope. I was very kindly received by my highly esteemed 
friend and mother in the Truth, Ruth Ely. On fourth-day at- 
tended the Select Meeting; in which some ability was afforded 
to show, that while we are in no degree to become negligent of 
our duty, all over anxiety for the good cause will add nothing 
to our stature, nor promote its advancement. But He who makes 
the lilies to grow, and arrays them in a manner far superior to 
Solomon's robes, can take care of and defend his cause, and pros- 
per it and us, as our trust is placed in Him alone. Friends con- 
vened on fifth-day morning in greater number than was usual, at 
Buckingham. The power of religion appeared low ; and for a 
time it felt doubtful whether we should know what it was to 
rise from the dead into newness of life. I endeavored to draw 
near to Him who alone can bring out of the pit, and open our 
mouths to declare his will. After struggling with fear, I be- 
lieved it right to rise with the testimony of the Apostle : " There 
is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ 
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit; for 
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath set me free 
from the law of sin and death ;" and to declare that this con- 
tinues to be the case to the obedient soul to this very day. I 
was led to open the condition of those who had obeyed the 
dictates of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts; who had sub- 
mitted to the administration of condemnation for sin; and after 
abiding under it the appointed time, experienced a change of con- 
dition; having the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, and 
receiving the law of the Spirit of life, and yielding faithfully to 
it, came to be freed from the dominion of the law of sin and death. 
These were prepared to advance in the spiritual journey; and 
as they were faithful to their Divine Leader, would grow from 
stature to stature, and witness an establishment in the blessed 
Truth. Those who persisted in disobedience, would grow 
harder in sin ; shame and confusion would cover them; and they 



1839.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 219 

could have no other prospect than separation from the presence 
of the Lord, and the glory of his power, " When He shall come to 
be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that be- 
lieve, at that day." Such as deny the possibility of keeping 
the commandments of God, and contend for the commission 
of sin through life, are not true Christians. We cannot serve 
two masters. Either we shall love one and hate the other, or 
cleave to one and despise the other. We cannot serve God and 
mammon. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. We 
must serve Christ or antichrist ; and all who submit to Christ, 
will be brought from under the government of the prince of 
the power of the air, into the freedom of the children of God ; 
freed from sin, as well as the guilt of sin. There was present, 
I was afterwards told, one of those preachers who inculcate the 
idea that we are not made free from sin in this life. 

Ninth month 5th. I attended the Arch Street Meeting, where 
I sat some time under a consideration of my own weaknesses 
and imperfections. Clothed with these sensations, we feci en- 
tirely unfit for the Lord's work, and are disposed to retire from 
it, and keep silence before Him, with the mouth as in the dust. 
After a time, 1 was introduced into a different feeling, and 
seemed to be gradually prepared to speak ; but something seem- 
ed to give me a gentle check; with the intimation to wait and 
examine the presentation a little further ; and on recurring to 
the passage of Scripture before me : " To obey is better than 
sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams," it appeared to 
be applicable, and perhaps designed for myself. I kept still ; 
and was glad that my Divine Master was so kind and conde- 
scending, as to keep me and instruct me in this way. May I 
become more and more conformed to his Divine will, and pre- 
pared to hear and obey his voice. 

10th. I went to Medford to attend Haddonfield Quarterly 
Meeting, av.d took up my abode, for the time, with my dear, aged 
friends Josiah and Elizabeth Reeve, who are in declining health. 
Attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. 

The Quarterly Meeting for business, held next day, was a 
solid, gathered assembly ; and the way opened to preach the 
gospel of Christ, both in relation to the efficacy of his sufferings, 
and the immediate manifestation of his Spirit in the heart ; by 
which He is revealed to the soul as the Redeemer and Sanctifior 
of his people. 



220 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1840. 



1840, Fourth month. The past winter has been a season of 
close, inward conflict; the way opening for but little service ; 
and it is to be feared that the unity among Friends has not in- 
creased. I have, however, attended a few meetings out of the 
city; and at times have been favored with best help in the dis- 
charge of what appeared to be required. 

29th. Our Yearly Meeting was held last week. The busi- 
ness was conducted with great harmony, as to external appear- 
ances ; but there was much secret suffering endured. The duties 
of clerk were more trying to me than at any previous period; 
so that I felt desirous of a release. Caleb Pennock, a minister, 
in his eighty-eighth year, expressed the encouragement he felt 
at seeing so many young men there; he believed that better 
days are ahead, and that the faith of this religious Society 
would rise and shine with greater brightness. He rejoiced at 
believing this, though he might not live "to see it. A memorial, 
prepared by the Southern District Monthly Meeting of Phila- 
delphia, concerning my beloved father, was forwarded by the 
Meeting for Sufferings, and united with by the Yearly Meeting. 

Fifth month. I obtained a minute from the Monthly Meet- 
ing, to attend the Quarterly Meeting of Baltimore ; and in com- 
pany with my friend Charles Allen, accomplished the service. 
We paid several visits to Friends in that city; in some of which, 
the way opened to impart counsel and encouragement to come 
under the government and teaching of the Spirit of Christ; that 
through its regenerating operations, individuals might be pre- 
pared for service in his church militant, and union with the 
church triumphant, when done with the trials of this probation- 
ary scene. The Quarterly Meeting is very small ; also the 
Select Meeting; in both of which I had some service. 

We rode out to Gunpowder, and had an appointed meeting, 
on sixth-day, composed of a few members and others. Here 
there is little prospect of a succession among Friends ; and yet 
it seemed proper to warn them against discouragement in as- 
sembling for Divine worship. Nearly all the members of this 
meeting joined in the separation of 1828 ; and the reduced state 
of the remaining members, called forth sympathy with them. 
• We returned to Baltimore on seventh-day, and visited an 
afflicted Friend, in the station of a minister. The testimony of 
the Apostle was brought into view : " How that not many wise 
men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called : 



1840.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 221 

but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound 
the wise ; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world 
to confound the things that are mighty ; and base things of the 
world, and things which are despised hath God chosen ; yea 
and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are ; 
that no flesh should glory in bis presence." And when we had 
been arrayed as in the king's apparel and placed upon the king's 
horse, like Mordecai, we must be stripped again, and return to 
the gate. When the Lord has a work for us to do, He often 
brings us down low, that we may feel our own nothingness ; 
that when He again equips for service, we may be sensible the 
treasure is in earthen vessels, and the excellency of the power 
is of God and not of us. 

In the meeting on first-day morning, the states of some who 
were often convinced of what -the Lord required at their hands, 
but who were putting off the work of religion, were spoken to ; 
and in the afternoon, those who stood as overseers, were exhort- 
ed to faithfulness in feeding the flock. I also felt a concern for 
the young, visited members, that they might not be allured 
from the fold by the insidious temptations of an unwearied 
enemy, and the want of proper example in their elder Friends ; 
but that they all might harmonize, in strengthening each other 
in the right way; whereby a succession of consistent Friends 
might be raised and preserved in that city. We returned home 
on second-day, and I felt well satisfied I had made the visit; 
though there was little to rejoice in. 

Having obtained a minute of the unity of the Monthly Meet-, 
ing, I set off on the 17th of the Tenth month, 1840, in company 
with my friend Samuel Hilles of Wilmington, to visit the Quar- 
terly Meetings of Westbury and Purchase, in the State of New 
York ; some of their constituent branches, and a few meetings 
on the way. After accomplishing the visit, I returned home on 
the 3d of Eleventh month, in peace, and found my beloved 
family in usual health, which was cause of gratitude to our 
Heavenly Father. 

Eleventh month 11th. This morning I received the intelli- 
gence of the decease of my much beloved and honored friend 
and father in the Truth, Josiah Keeve of Upper Evesham, New 
Jersey. Thus, one after another, the fathers and pillars are 
removed from among us, at a time when the church seems 
greatly to need them. May the blessed Head of the church, in 



222 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1840. 

mercy look down upon our poor Society, and arouse many to a 
lively sense of the course they are pursuing, and snatch them 
as brands from the burning; that during the day of grace, they 
may be induced to enter into the vineyard and labor. But oh! 
the benumbing effects of this world ; how it is slaying thou- 
sands who should be employed ill the Lord's work, and under 
his direction, spreading the kingdom of righteousness and truth 
in the earth. 

On fifth-day, the 12th, I went to the late residence of my 
beloved friend, and felt much sympathy with his widow, who 
has also long been afflicted with bodily indisposition. She is a 
mother in Israel, furnished with a discerning spirit and sound- 
ness of judgment that qualifies her for usefulness in the church 
of Christ. 

Twelfth month 20th. My beloved wife having been engaged 
nearly four weeks in visiting the families of Friends of Chester 
and Haddon field Monthly Meetings, N. J., returned home this 
afternoon, having accomplished the work to her own relief and 
peace. 

24th. Since my return from New York, I have passed through 
seasons of great poverty and desertion. But though closely 
proved in various ways, I have endeavored to keep patient, and 
wait for the return of the Beloved of my soul ; having underneath 
all, a secret trust and belief that light would again break forth, 
and a renewed qualification be granted, to testify of his mercy 
and unfailing compassion towards his dependent creature, man. 
This day I went to the Arch Street Meeting, where, after a time 
of inward waiting, the testimony of an eminent Apostle arose ; 
"That the trial of your faith being much more precious than 
of gold that perish eth, though it be tried with fire, might be 
found unto praise and honor and glory, at the appearing of 
Jesus Christ;" and in the fresh openings of the Spirit, I was led 
to speak of the afflictions and provings of their faith, which the 
Lord's children and servants had to pass through. He only knew 
when, and how far to try their faith and allegiance, by withdraw- 
ing his sensible presence ; but as they endeavored to possess 
their souls in patience, keeping their eye to Him alone, when 
He saw it had produced the effect designed, He would return 
with healing in his wings, and give these the joys of his salva- 
tion. These could then sing of his judgments and his mercies ; 
and would know a growth, and an establishment upon the Eock 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 223 

of ages, and the Foundation of many generations. The trial of 
their faith worketh patience, patience experience, and experi- 
ence hope ; that hope which maketh not ashamed of the tribu- 
lations that pertain to the Gospel of Christ. I was also led to 
encourage the dear young people to keep to their exercises, and 
not to cast away their confidence in their Lord; and through 
obedience and submission to his baptising power, they would 
advance until they should be prepared to endure hardness, as 
good soldiers of Jesus Christ. 

Being their Monthly Meeting, I remained with them. To- 
wards the close there arose the language of encouragement to 
the members, to devote themselves to the Lord's work, the 
few remaining years of their lives. Our religious Society 
had been signally blessed in this city, and within our Yearly 
Meeting, as well as in other places ; but we had not brought 
forth fruits answerable to those blessings. Scattering and sep- 
aration had taken place; but I believed if we were willing to 
submit to the necessary baptisms, and give ourselves up to his 
service, that his blessings would still be poured forth upon us, 
ungrateful as we had been ; the waste places would be built up, 
and the doctrines and testimonies given to this Society, would 
not only be preached, but their nature and effect would be 
shown in the lives and conversation of our members; and living 
witnesses to those doctrines would be raised up, from age to 
age, and they should spread from the rivers to the ends of the 
earth. 

1841, Fourth month 5th. Attended a semi-annual examination 
of the scholars at "Westtown School. I was engaged, in the 
girls' department, to remind them, it was not once entering 
into the narrow way, and making a few sacrifices, that would 
do ; but a steady, watchful state of mind, to receive further 
manifestations of duty was needful ; that we may experience 
the humility and tenderness, renewed from time to time, which 
we felt in the day of our first visitation ; and in which we 
were made willing to give up all that was required of us. 
Herein alone we should experience preservation, and a growth 
in the Truth. I was also drawn forth in affectionate solicitude 
for the boys ; that they might be favored with serious impres- 
sions, and engaged to enter into covenant with their Heavenly 
Father, that if He would give them bread to eat and raiment to 
put on, He should be their God, and they would serve Him. 



224 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. I 1841. 

Though we are not often permitted to see fruit produced by 
the labor bestowed, yet it is our duty to be diligent in sowing 
the seed which the great Seedsman furnishes, morning or even- 
ing, not knowing which shall prosper. He can give the increase 
if He pleases, and if there be none, the faithful servants will be 
clear. 

21st. Our Yearly Meeting was unusually large on the men's 
side this year, and the business conducted with religious weight 
and much harmony. The state of the Society is not, however, 
settled, and all the members thoroughly united as branches of 
the true Vine; deriving strength and wisdom from the same 
Divine source. A painful sense is often attendant, that there 
are some who would exercise an influence that arises from a 
worldly spirit, that loves its own, and is at enmity with the 
cross of Christ, and the government of his Spirit. Such as 
these cry out for liberty and liberality. They are ready to con- 
federate with men of the world in plans of benevolence; and 
could they have the predominance, they would draw the Society 
away from the sure foundation, and from an humble and steady 
reliance on the guidance of the Great Head ; whose right alone it 
is to direct the affairs of his church. But there is also a body 
of exercised members, who desire to have their loins girded, and 
lights burning, waiting for the coming of their Lord, and who 
dare not be active in their own will and wisdom. These are 
baptised into death; having the sentence of death in themselves, 
not to trust in themselves, but in God who raiseth the dead, and 
giveth ability to stand for his cause. May their number in- 
crease, and the arms of their hands be made strong by the hands 
of the mighty God of Jacob. 

Fifth month 12th. Accompanied by my beloved friend Henry 
Cope, I set out to attend the Yearly Meeting of Yirginia, held 
at Cedar Creek, having minutes of the unity of our Monthly 
Meeting therewith. Travelling by railroads and steamboats has 
now become so rapid, that we reached Taylorsville, about thir- 
teen miles distant from N. Crenshaw's at Cedar Creek, by three 
o'clock the next day after leaving home; where we were met 
by carriages and taken to his hospitable residence. The Quar- 
terly Meeting held on the 14th, was small; on the men's side, 
reports were received from but one Monthly Meeting; the re- 
maining two being nearly extinct through the removal or 
decease of the members. 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 225 

The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders consisted of 
seven men and three women. On first-day a very large com- 
pany of persons came together, who, from their deportment, 
manifested that they had very little acquaintance with silent 
meetings, or spiritual worship ; some talking ; and many going 
in and out of the house. After two or three Friends had spoken, 
and there had been a time of silence, it appeared right for me to 
rise with the expressions of Christ, "Many shall come from the 
east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac and 
Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the king- 
dom shall be cast out." From which I was led to hold forth 
the doctrine, that those who were favored with various oppor- 
tunities of spiritual improvement, and neglected them, were in 
danger of being cast off; while others, whose privileges were 
few, but who made a right use of them, would be gathered to 
the innumerable company that surrounds the throne. The 
necessity of witnessing the work of religion in the heart, by 
which we are prepared to glorify God in the highest, and ex- 
perience peace and good will towards all men, was opened. 
That where this is known, wars and fightings come to an end; 
and thus the kingdom of Christ will gradually take the posses- 
sion of the gates of its enemies; until the kingdoms of this 
world become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ. The 
universality of Divine love, with many other points of Christian 
doctrine, was opened ; a degree of solemnity spread over the 
company, and I believe impressions of a serious nature were 
made on some minds. 

On the way to Flemming Bates', the horses pressed so much 
on the side of a bank, as to run the carriage on a stump ; by 
which we were overturned. I was much alarmed at the peril- 
ous situation in which my companion was placed ; he being be- 
tween the front of the carriage and the corner of the fence, lest 
he should be crushed; but the horses being stopped he was 
rescued, with only a slight injury. I was very thankful for the 
preservation of his life. It felt awful to me, the apprehension, 
that I might have to return without him ; which brought over 
me the seriousness of setting out from home, and being the 
means of taking away the valuable parent and head of a family, 
who might never return to them. Many times did I feel that I 
had great cause for gratitude, that none of the company were 
seriously injured; and I thought it might have been permitted 



226 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

to show us what poor, frail creatures we are ; and how unable to 
keep ourselves from danger; and that it was needful we should 
keep constantly on the watch, under an humble, reverent sense, 
towards the Lord, of our insignificance, and unworthiness of all 
his favors ; that so He might have mercy upon us, and preserve 
us by his power. 

The Yearly Meeting was very small; and though there are 
a few exercised members, who desire the right maintenance of 
the testimonies of Truth ; yet it appeared to me doubtful 
whether it is held to the honor of the great Head, and the real 
benefit of the few who compose it. As the way opened for it, 
we endeavored to strengthen the hands of the exercised ones, 
and to counsel ^and warn those, who appeared to be under little 
or no weight, in relation to the right holding of such a meeting; 
or of conducting themselves out of it with decorum, and a seri- 
ousness becoming the occasion. The meeting closed on fourth- 
day afternoon. In the evening, at our lodgings, we had a large 
company of young persons, mostly quite gay, invited to sit with 
U3; and I was drawn forth to call them to the duty of watch- 
fulness and sobriety; lest their adversary, the devil, who is ever 
walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, 
should lead them off, by his temptations, into a land of pits and 
snares, and great distress. They were affectionately' invited to 
come to Christ Jesus, and take his yoke upon them ; that they 
might know Him to strip them of their vain ornaments, and 
by the baptising and sanctifying power of his grace, prepare 
them for Him to tabernacle in their hearts and fit them for ser- 
vice in his church. They seemed brought under serious im- 
pression > and retired, I apprehended, in a different frame of mind 
from what they would have done, had we not been faithful with 
them. Next day we rode to Taylorsville ; lodged at a tavern, 
and next morning took the cars for Fredericksburg; thence to 
the Potomac, where we went on board the steamboat for Wash- 
ington ; which city we reached about half past three o'clock, 
and at half past five, again seated ourselves in the cars for Balti- 
more. On seventh-day afternoon we arrived at our homes, and 
I found my beloved family well, with the exception of my oldest 
son, who for some time has appeared to be in a decline, and had 
gone to one of my brothers at Springfield, to try the benefit of 
country air. 

I soon made him a visit, and found him more unwell than I 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 227 

expected. After remaining in the country a few weeks, and ap- 
pearing to derive no benefit from the change, but continuing 
to grow weaker; he was desirous to return to the city, and was 
accordingly brought home. 

He had lived an unblemished life; and though his business 
subjected him to the company of people of the world, of great 
variety of character, he was unusually circumspect in his de- 
portment ; and has drawn from many of them, sentiments of 
much respect for his example. He conducted himself with in- 
variable respect for his parents and their judgment; and never 
departed in dress from the usual simplicity observed amongst 
us. Although he had thus lived, and was much beloved and 
approved by his friends ; when he saw the inevitable result of 
his disease; his mind was brought under great exercise, that 
he might be prepared for the awful event. Speaking of the ex- 
ercises he underwent, at Springfield, he said: " The conflict I 
passed through for two days and nights, is indescribable. It 
seemed as if everything wrong that I had done, from my child- 
hood to that day, was brought before me; and, at last, in mercy, 
I received an evidence that they were all forgiven and blotted 
out. I felt calm and peaceful." iSTotwithstanding this com- 
fortable assurance, he underwent great reduction, and was 
often brought into close searching of heart, lest he should be 
deceived. Being thus left to struggle with the evil suggestions 
of Satan, and to feel his own weakness, he many times appre- 
hended there remained a veil between him and his Heav- 
enly Father, which he said he could not rend ; and, at one 
time, under these sensations, he said : " I feel like a poor, con- 
demned criminal." He, however, experienced, at times, this 
state of mind to be changed; and was enabled to acknowledge 
the goodness and mercy of God ; and when visited by some of 
his young friends, he imparted suitable counsel ; particularly 
to those in business, against the spirit of the world ; and their 
being drawn away after the acquisition of wealth. In such a 
situation as this, into which he was brought, he remarked, 
What would wealth do for any? It would then be found that 
earthly possessions were of no value whatever, to a soul in the 
prospect of eternity. He became more and more withdrawn 
from his outward concerns, and seldom said much about them. 
His time was chiefly spent in silent meditation ; and he mani- 
fested a solidity of spirit, and deep feeling of seriousness, becom- 



228 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

ing the situation of one who was gradually approaching the 
termination of his earthly career. He appeared to have acquir- 
ed much command over himself; so that he endured with 
patience the tediousness of a lingering consumption. 

At one time, he supplicated thus, in a very solemn and hum- 
ble manner : " Oh, Lord Jesus, be with me through the valley 
and shadow of death ! Oh, righteous Father, wash me and 
make me clean in the blood of the holy Jesus !" After this, his 
mind appeared to be calm and settled ; and near his close, when 
it was supposed he would speak no more, he seemed to receive 
a full assurance, that every obstruction was taken out of the 
way, and distinctly and audibly said : " I am now ready to go ;" 
and on the morning of the 5th of Seventh month, 1841, his re- 
deemed spirit was released from the conflicts and trials of 
time. 



CHAPTER XII. 

1841. 

Religious Visit to North Carolina Yearly Meeting. 

1841, Ninth month 17th. Having for some time believed it 
would be my duty to pay a religious visit to the meetings of 
North Carolina and Virginia Yearly Meetings, I spread the 
subject before the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, and obtain- 
ed their certificates of unity and sympathy with me, and liber- 
ating me for the service. It was no small trial to engage in 
such a visit ; requiring much time and labor to reach the meet- 
ings in prospect; but it appeared to me, that my own peace and 
growth in the Truth, were concerned in giving up faithfully to 
do what the Great Head of the church allotted for my service. 
Many experienced Friends expressed their gladness that I was 
drawn into that part of the vineyard ; and desired my en- 
couragement and strength ; which was a comfort. Not only 
the unity of the brethren, but their affectionate desires for us, 
are helpful. They show they are alive to the prosperity of 
Truth ; and they give encouragement to the stripped and tried 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 229 

servant, who has the labor to perform. A number of the solid 
members of the Meeting for Sufferings, which met on the day 
we set off, manifested their affectionate feeling for me, in this 
way; which savored of the precious fellowship of the Gospel, 
and was truly cheering. The weather was wet and stormy ; 
but my companion J. Hacker, and myself, rode down to West- 
town; and the next day reached LondoD-Brittain. We attended 
their meeting on first-day, where I felt much sympathy with 
the few there, who are endeavoring to hold up the testimonies 
of the Gospel in the sight of their neighbors ; many of whom have 
separated from the Society. Some ability was furnished to en- 
courage them to hold on in the right way, that they may draw 
the children into a love of the Truth, and become the salt of 
the neighborhood, and lights to those around them. The neces- 
sity of regeneration, that they may be renewed in the image 
which Adam lost by transgression, was also presented to others ; 
who were invited to take the cross of Christ upon them, and 
thereby know Him to be their Saviour indeed. In the after- 
noon, we rode over the Susquehanna to Deer Creek ; and on 
second-day, the 20th, proceeded to Baltimore. Several Friends 
visited us in the evening, which we passed in agreeable conver- 
sation, on divers subjects connected with the cause of Truth and 
righteousness ; it ended peacefully, and, I trust, with some in- 
struction to us all. 

Having obtained from our friend Hugh Balderston, a draft of 
the route to Goose Creek, we set out in the morning, and rode to 
Eockville, on the Georgetown Turnpike, and put up at a public 
house. The thought of the long distance we must ride to reach 
meetings in Tennessee, is sometimes trying ; but under all, the 
sustaining goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father is felt 
to be near ; speaking peace, when the mind is kept chaste unto 
Him, and a fervent desire is maintained, that the thoughts of 
the heart may be preserved in purity ; seeking to stand prepared 
to do his will, whenever He may call for any service. Above 
all things, it is desirable to be kept in his fear, and clothed with 
a fervent travail for the exaltation of Christ's kino-dom of holi- 
ness and truth amongst mankind universally. Alas ! what 
wickedness abounds in the earth ; and in these Southern States, 
the crime of slavery. The appearance of the man and the 
child of color, fills me with distress and mourning for his degra- 
dation, and the sins of his unrighteous master. 
16 



230 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

Something requiring the attention of a smith about the car- 
riage, after he [a colored man] had completed it, I asked him if 
he carried on the business for himself? He replied, " No ; but for 
the man who gave some directions at the carriage ; he gave eight 
hundred dollars for me, cash; a good deal," he said, "when my 
life was not insured." He spoke as if he was indifferent to his 
situation; but it seemed astonishing to me, that the Lord's 
noble creature, man, should be held as the property of another, 
and forcibly prevented from using his own strength and ingen- 
uity for his own benefit and profit. I felt sad in leaving him ; 
his efforts to appear cheerful, seemed a cover to his reflections. 
A man who, by his trade, could make several dollars a day, and 
yet not a cent could he call his own, or appropriate to his own 
use, unless given to him by his master; all he got, he said, was 
food and clothing. 

22d. Passed through several small villages, and generally a 
poor, worn-out country ; much of it appeared to be deserted ; 
some of the houses of the former owners were in ruins; impress- 
ing the mind of the contemplative spectator with sadness, at 
the proof it furnishes of the blasting effects of slaveholding. We 
ferried the Potomac, and rode through Leesburg in Virginia, to 
Goose Creek, and attended the regular meeting, on fifth-day. 
The company of Friends was very small, but steady in the sup- 
port of the meeting. We sympathized with them in their strip- 
ped state ; and through the goodness of the Lord, were led to 
administer a word of encouragement; which tendered our 
hearts together, and, we trusted, had a comforting and strength- 
ening effect upon the little band. 

The next morning, before leaving the Friend's house where 
we lodged, I felt drawn to impart counsel to the members of 
the family, on the necessity of keeping close to the Captain of 
our salvation ; that they may live and act under his Divine 
guidance ; and be concerned to lead their children in the path 
which the Lord casts up for the ransomed and redeemed ones 
to walk in. 

24th. The weather wet ; but we were best satisfied to set 
out for Hopewell; which we reached before sundown. On 
seventh-day we held no meeting, as the Friends lay much scat- 
tered, and in the afternoon visited Lewis ISTeal, now in the 
ninety-fifth year of his age. He told us, that three of the 
Friends who were banished from Philadelphia, in the time of 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 231 

the revolutionary war, were billetted at his house ; spoke of the 
sickness and death of Jno. Hunt and T. Gilpin • and also of the 
residence of Israel, John and James Pemberton, while in exile. 
The trials of that day, he remarked, no one could have a full 
conception of, but those who witnessed them. It was interest- 
ing to hold converse with so aged a man, who had been an eye- 
witness of facts, relating to the trials those banished Friends 
underwent. 

We attended Hopewell Meeting, where we sat a pretty good 
length of time, before there was sufficient clearness to say any- 
thing; but at length, through Divine kindness, the spring was 
a little opened; and the importance of waiting upon the Father 
of lights, from whom every good and perfect gift cometh, was 
brought into view. The necessity of taking up the cross, deny- 
ing ourselves, and following the Lord Jesus, was pressed upon 
the middle-aged and younger members ; by which alone they 
can know their hearts cleansed and sanctified, and made fit tem- 
ples for the Lord, by his Spirit, to dwell in. The power of 
Truth rose into dominion, and many were contrited ; and I hope 
it terminated to the refreshment of those who are rightminded. 
I was humbled under this renewed evidence of Divine conde- 
scension. We rode, after the meeting to Aaron H. Griffith's, 
about two miles from Winchester, and lodged. 

27th. We have had clear weather three- days, and having 
rested two, we set out this morning up the Winchester Yalley, 
on our route to Tennessee ; and in the afternoon, put up at a 
tavern, on the bank of the north fork of the Shenandoah, thirty- 
eight miles from Winchester. At the supper, I asked the land- 
lady, if the farmers carried on their business with white or color- 
ed laborers ? She said, with both ; they were numerous here. 
I expressed the opinion, that they would get along better with 
free laborers ; but she did not concur, though she admitted 
there was a less number of slaves in this part of Virginia than on 
the more eastern side. I enquired of another person, whether the 
slaves, set to do a piece of work, would do it without being over- 
looked ? He answered in the affirmative ; and said there were 
many severe masters in that neighborhood, who would have 
their work done, and the slaves knew it must be done. The 
landlord told us in the morning, that he did not sell ardent 
spirits ; he would not inebriate a man nor suffer one who was 
intoxicated, to remain on his premises I took the opportunity 






232 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

to remark, it was a satisfaction that he declined selling spirits ; 
and I thought it would add to their comfort, if they were to free 
themselves from slavery. " Tell us," said he, " how we shall 
get clear of it, and we will do so." I replied there was some- 
thing in his own breast which would tell him how it was to be 
done. He said, he thought the slaves were better off, under 
some persons to take care of them, than those who were free. 
To which I rejoined, there was in every one an inherent desire 
for freedom, let their circumstances be what they may. The 
people of this country contended with Great Britain against what 
they considered an imposition, though we were not deprived of 
our liberty ; and the colored people have the same feelings ; and 
though many of the free black people were degraded, as were 
also many whites, yet some of the former possessed property, 
and were very respectable. Though he kept himself cool, and 
refrained from any reflections; yet I thought the observations 
on the subject were unpleasant to him. 

Tenth month 1st. We have had fine weather, and have rid- 
den about thirty-six miles a day, through a very hilly country ; 
some parts of it pretty well cultivated, and much of it very 
poor ; though, in general, it is in a better condition than the 
eastern side of Virginia. Several of the taverns at which we 
have latterly stopped, are poorly furnished; no carpets on the 
floor; and in other respects, do not indicate the progress in re- 
finement and good management, which may be seen in similar 
establishments in the free States. Our landlord, last evening, 
went into some defence of the Government, in removing the 
Indians to the west. I told him the natives had as good right 
to their land and houses, as he had to his ; and the Government 
might as well turn him off his property, and take possession of 
it, as to treat Indians so. He thought there was a hand of Pro- 
vidence in it, as they were heathens; and while they remained, 
Christianity would not spread. I remarked, they were believ- 
ers in, and worshipped the Almighty, under the character of 
" the Great Spirit;" and some of them read the Scriptures, and 
had joined some of the different Christian sects. But why did 
they not send away the colored people? the slaves; many of 
whom were no better than heathen ; why did they keep them 
among them ? To this he made no answer. I told him they 
had coveted the Indians' lands ; and acted on the same princi- 
ple that Ahab and Jezebel did, when he wanted Naboth's vine- 



1841.~| JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 233 

yard; and she procured men to destroy Naboth; and then told 
the king to go and take possession. He said he did not like 
the principle. I hoped he did not, nor the practice either. 

The degraded state of the free blacks among slaveholders, so 
far as instances of it can be found, is referred to by them, as a 
palliative for the iniquity of the system ; which, I believe, re- 
quires a degree of hardness of heart, in all of them, to enable 
them to justify it; and without which, they cannot suppress 
the convictions of Truth in their own breasts. These convic- 
tions, I have no doubt, do often arise, and they resort to various 
expedients to suppress them. The example of other States, and 
latterly of the British, in liberating the slaves within their juris- 
diction, must add force to these convictions; and whatever 
sophistry they resort to, in order to justify themselves, the tes- 
timony and the practice of others, prove that there is a way 
safely to liberate the slaves ; and public opinion is constantly 
rising in greater force against the horrible system. 

This morning we stopped to view the astonishing, stupendous 
Natural Bridge over Cedar Creek. From the top of it to the 
water, is said to be two hundred and ten feet. The mass of 
stone forming the arch, thirty feet through ; the distance from 
the under curve of the arch to the surface of the water below, 
one hundred and eighty feet; and the chord of the arch ninety 
feet. We are struck with admiration in standing under the 
huge superstructure, and contemplating the vast pile of stone 
so compactly placed ; forming walls and abutments ; and, thrown 
over such a space, an arch, of the enormous weight of stone, 
that rests upon them. Nor are the comparative perfectness of 
the arch, the regularity of the under curve, and the evenness of 
the surface less wonderful; when we reflect that it has not been 
effected by any force, acting according to the ordinary laws of 
nature ; but by some extraordinary convulsion, of which we can 
have no adequate idea ; but which we should suppose, would 
have left the standing masses of stone, craggy and without any 
such appearance of harmony and regularity as that in which 
they now are. The length of time before we hear a stone, 
thrown from the top, strike the water below, — two or three 
seconds perhaps, — gives striking proof of the depth of the abyss 
into which it falls. 

The tavern keeper, with whom we last put up, enquired at 
the breakfast table, whether we were Quakers ? and whether 



234 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

they always had preaching in their meetings ? We replied that 
we were Quakers, or Friends ; but we do not appoint any to 
preach. We believe it right to meet together in silence to wait 
upon our Almighty Creator, to receive ability to worship Him 
in spirit and in truth ; and that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is 
the Head of his church, gives the gift for the Gospel ministry 
to whom He pleases; and such whom He sets apart for that 
service, preach as they are moved to it by Him ; but we often 
hold our meetings in silence. I also told him that we took no 
pay for preaching ; that we followed some business for a liveli- 
hood ; maintained ourselves, and when travelling, paid our own 
expenses. When a minister had not the means to do this, the 
Society took care that he should not want, but they paid him 
no salary. He was very ignorant of Friends, and seemed rather 
surprised at this. We gave him some books to inform him of 
our principles, for which he thanked us. He also enquired 
whether we approved of war ? I told him that we do not. He 
supposed, as we do not fight, we paid the fine. I said, we neither 
engage in war ourselves, nor can we pay for a substitute ; but 
when we are called on for a fine, we suffer our goods to be taken ; 
and some are put in jail. This also puzzled him ; as we knew 
the fine must be paid, he saw no reason why we should not do 
it. I observed there was the difference between voluntarily 
paying, and passively suffering the penalty prescribed by law. 

Tenth month 2d. We have now been six days on the road, 
from Winchester to Christiansburg, about two hundred and 
nineteen miles. The weather mostly dry, until this afternoon, 
and much of the road very good. Here we felt ourselves dis- 
appointed, in being thrown into the company of a number of 
boarders, who seemed hardly able to keep their eyes off of us; 
perhaps having never before seen a person in our garb, or been 
in their society, so as to hold conversation with them. We 
have found the people of this valley, generally very ignorant 
of Friends and their principles. 

5th. In the last three days we have travelled but ninety-four 
miles, owing to the stony and muddy condition of the road, 
which made travelling very fatiguing to us, and wearing to the 
horses. During this period, I have had several conversations 
with persons of apparent respectability, on the enslaved condi- 
tion of the blacks. All admit that it is a dreadful system, and 
profess a willingness to liberate them, could they see the way 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 235 

to do it with safety ; but I do not believe there is much sincerity 
in these professions. As long as they can keep them as servants, 
to labor for them, so that the master and his children may live 
in idleness and luxury, and pride, very few will look for any 
way to free them. They love ease too much. 

6th. After a very rough, fatiguing ride, we stopped at a low 
log building, and enquired of the mistress of the house, if we 
could have accommodation for the night ? She made some diffi- 
culty, but eventually consented to take us in. Though the 
appearance of things was not promising, they were clean, and 
we made out pretty well. JSTot being able to get any informa- 
tion respecting Friends at Limestone, we hired a man to pilot 
us over to Mark Eeeve's, near Elizabethtown ; where we were 
received and entertained with hospitality, and one of his sons 
went with us the following morning to Henry, Marsh's; and on 
the 9th we had a meeting at Limestone. Proceeded in the after- 
noon to Rheatown ; lodged at John Marshall's, and attended the 
meeting, called New Hope, on first-day. Some notice being 
spread, the house was pretty w^ell filled by Friends and others ; 
many of whom appearing to be strangers to silent waiting upon 
the Lord, in order to perform Divine worship, soon became rest- 
less, and went out. I found it necessary to keep inward, and 
not give way to the spirit of restlessness, which was craving 
words; and the Lord brought my mind into a state of simple 
reliance upon Him. After a time, the exhortation of Christ to 
his disciples, when trouble came upon them, was brought before 
me ; " In your patience possess ye your souls," and I was led to 
show the importance of learning to stand still ; especially when 
met for the solemn purpose of Divine worship ; that we may 
know Christ to manifest Himself to be in the midst; to teach 
the humble, attentive soul, and to enable it to worship the 
Father in spirit and in truth. Some of the fundamental doc- 
trines of the Gospel were opened ; the necessity of being broken 
off from the wild olive tree, and grafted into the true Yine, 
was pressed upon the people, and a tender invitation held out 
to those who had spent their substance in an improper way of 
living, to yield to the convictions of Divine Grace, that they 
might be brought to the Father's house, where there is bread 
enough and to spare. The meeting ended with thanksgiving and 
praise for the Lord's goodness, extended to us, and supplication 
for his continued preservation. 



236 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

From this place we were taken by Aaron Hammer, down to 
Newberry, in Blount County; where we held a meeting on sixth- 
day, the 15th, which was a favored time; the states of individ- 
uals being spoken to, and the necessity of obedience to the 
righteous law written in the heart enforced; and the young- 
were encouraged to come up in their places, in the Truth. An 
elder, after meeting, expressed his satisfaction, and that he con- 
sidered it a favored time. We came away with peace; and rode 
about twelve miles to a house of private entertainment, where 
we had poor accommodations; neither of the windows in our 
lodging-room having any sash, and one of them no shutter. 
Next day we passed through Knoxville ; breakfasted there, and 
reached William H. Morgan's, at Lost Creek, in the afternoon. 

17th. Attended Lost Creek Meeting. Being first-day, a large 
concourse of people assembled, but few of whom seemed ac- 
quainted with having their minds stayed upon the Lord. Accus- 
tomed to associate Divine worship with preaching and vocal 
prayer, the time of silence seemed long to some, and yet they 
behaved with propriety generally. The way at last appeared 
to open, to speak upon the effect of vital religion to bring the 
mind of man off from dependence upon man, who cannot save 
his brother, nor give a ransom for him ; and to call them to 
Christ, the great mediator and minister of the New Covenant; 
that they might learn of Him. The doctrine of the universality 
of his appearance in the heart ; of the angel which John saw 
flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gos- 
pel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, of every nation, 
kindred, tongue and people, under heaven; of Christ, as the 
administrator of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, by 
which He burns up the chaff; He who sits as a refiner with fire, 
and a fuller with soap, to purify and prepare the sons of Levi to 
offer offerings in righteousness ; our propitiation for sin, and 
Advocate with the Father, were a little opened ; and those who 
loved Him with sincerity, were encouraged to dedication. The 
Truth at times, seemed, in measure, to prevail over the meeting, 
and the people were solemnized ; but after it was over, I felt 
tried, lest the humbling, tendering power of it, had not reached 
the heart, as much as is desirable; which depressed my spirits, 
and produced fear that I had not kept as close to my guide as I 
ought ; but I could not discover where I had missed my way. 
In the afternoon, we walked from William Morgan, Sr.'s, to his 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 237 

nephew's ; and had a religious opportunity with his family. In 
the evening, we had also a tendering time at the house of the 
above aged Friend ; several young persons being present; which 
was a comfortable close of this day's labor. A little humilia- 
tion is both necessary and beneficial; and our Divine Master 
knows when and how to administer it. May all his servants 
kiss the rod, and cleave to Him when He appoints it. I believe 
He sees fit to withdraw the evidence of his approbation, and 
also the capacity to judge of our labors, at times when we have 
not wilfully done wrong, that we may be kept in the nothing- 
ness of self. 

In the course of the visit in Lost Creek Quarterly Meeting, 
we found Friends mostly in low circumstances, and living in a 
plain, rough manner ; some of their houses having few lights 
of glass in them ; their children partaking of little opportunity 
for education, either at home or at school. In many instances, 
this is occasioned by the want of means, and their time being 
mostly occupied at their work, to get bread and clothing. I felt 
sympathy with them, and could but contrast their condition 
with that of many affluent members in other parts of the Socie- 
ty, whose children are brought up in delicacy and luxury, and 
know nothing of the difficulties and privations to which the 
children of Friends in these parts are subjected. If a large part 
of the surplus wealth of rich Friends was applied to aid their 
fellow members, in educating their offspring, and in spreading 
the writings of Friends ; much good would be done. It would 
tend to keep the hearts of the rich open to the trials of their 
fellow members, and to the great cause of the Eecleemer's king- 
dom ; which would be a blessing to themselves, by keeping out 
a covetous, parsimonious attachment to this world's treasures ; 
while it would confer an important benefit upon others. 

We visited a school which was taught by a Friend, a few of 
the scholars being members. It was in an open, log building, 
without a window; what light they had, came in through the 
openings between the timbers, and at the door; there was no 
floor but the earth ; and no fire-place or stove. A little fire in 
the middle of the room, was the only means of warming it; tne 
smoke passing out of any avenue it found. The children, though 
with cheerful countenances, were clothed with scanty covering, 
nearly all without shoes or stockings. Their situation appeared 
unfavorable for acquiring the necessary portion of useful learn- 



238 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

ing, not only from these circumstances, but from the incompe 
tency of the teacher, and the general habits and sentiments ol 
their parents and caretakers. When we reflect upon the im- 
portance of a right education, and the little effort made by many 
to guard their children, by watching over and restraining, and 
instructing them in the great duties of life; cultivating their 
minds, and leading them into habits of cleanliness and industry, 
and warning them of the dangers of improper associations, and 
of every description of immoral taint; above all, by precept and 
example, inculcating the indispensable obligations of living in 
the fear of Almighty G-od, and working out their salvation, 
through the aid of his Spirit; we cannot but feel for children 
who partake of very few of these advantages; and desire that 
their parents were more aroused to a lively sense of the obliga- 
tion which rests on them, towards their tender offspring. Many 
have difficulties in providing for their families ; but were they 
more devoted to the love and service of their Heavenly Father, 
way would be made, either by his blessing, on their efforts, or 
through the help of the Society, to educate them in schools of 
suitable character, and to draw them into a love of our religious 
principles and testimonies. A blessing, I believe, has rested 
upon the honest concern and labor of Friends in many parts of 
our Society, in watching over and educating the youth ; and in 
many instances, I trust, it will prepare the ground for the good 
seed which the Son of Man sows, and which will bring forth 
abundant fruit, under his blessing ; and thus be instrumental in 
preserving many amongst us, who will be qualified to maintain 
the doctrines and testimonies of the Gospel, to the Lord's praise 
and the comfort and enlargement of the Church. 

20th. We had intended going on from Eheatown, to cross 
the mountains into North Carolina ; but a Friend offering to go 
as guide, provided we waited until the following morning, we 
accordingly stayed the Preparative Meeting at New Hope ; and 
being impressed with a belief that Friends are suffering great 
loss in letting the discipline fall, by passing over, in a very 
superficial manner, marriages accomplished in violation of it, 
the way opened to set forth the importance of the church gov- 
ernment, established in the wisdom and authority of Christ, 
amongst us. It is only as the members individually live undei 
the subjecting power of the cross of Christ, that they are pre- 
pared to support the ark of the testimonies, and administer the 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 239 

discipline as it ought to be ; in the same power and wisdom in 
which it was instituted. " The righteous holdeth on his way, 
and he that hath clean hands shall be stroDger and stronger." 
These are not drawn aside from a firm and straightforward 
support of the cause of Truth, by a false tenderness towards 
others, whose eyes have become blinded; and in the faithful dis- 
charge of their religious duty, they grow in spiritual strength, 
and are a blessing to the church. Where a body of such mem- 
bers is preserved, and the discipline is rightly maintained by 
them, the Society is kept in a healthy and vigorous state. The 
young members growing up under their example, will receive 
right views of church government ; the motions and openings of 
Divine Grace in their minds, will be confirmed and enforced by 
the faithfulness of such upright men and women ; and thus suc- 
cessors are prepared to receive gifts from the great Head of the 
church, to be occupied in his service, in their day. What a 
comfort and strength these are to one another, and to their elders 
in the Truth. When ministers who keep to their gifts, come 
among them, they partake of the help of their spirits, and the 
" spring shut up " is often opened, to the mutual refreshment 
of the visitors and the visited. How different from those meet- 
ings, where a worldly spirit has overspread, and darkened and 
benumbed the professors of the christian religion. 

But where the rules of Discipline are let fall, or administered 
by those w T ho have lost ground, through disobedience to the 
convictions of Divine light, and whose hands are thereby weak- 
ened, desolation spreads ; wrong things prevail ; and though 
something of the form may be left, the power of Godliness is 
lost amongst such a people. The young members, who are at 
times favored with the visitations of the love of God, are very 
likely to be turned aside by the evil example of older ones, who 
seem to be the leaders ; and thus such meetings continue to 
dwindle, until they can no longer be held with reputation. The 
salt has lost its savor, and men of the world trample it under 
foot, because they can perceive such are no Quakers in reality. 
In this w T ay many have become an ill-savor, and caused the way 
of Truth to be evilly spoken of, to the grief of the sincere- 
hearted, and the obstruction of the spread of the kingdom of 
Christ, through us as a people. 

Tenth month 21st. We rode to M. Eeeves, near Elizabeth- 
town ; and the next morning, with one of his sons to go before 



240 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

us through some difficult fords ; we set off, the weather cloudy, 
and rode up Doe River ; crossing it six times in about that 
number of miles. We had heard much of the difficulties some 
Friends had encountered, which produced gloomy anticipations 
of the journey through these mountains; but we were merci- 
fully preserved from any apparent dangers, or meeting with any 
accident. It snowed or hailed the greater part of the day ; the 
atmosphere was chilling, and we were quite ready to stop at 
the house of a farmer, in this rough country, after a ride of 
twenty-nine miles, where we were hospitably entertained. Our 
course, the next day, lay through deep ravines; along streams 
of water which we forded many times; and over the Stone 
Mountain, whose lofty peaks were whitened with snow. When 
we reached the summit, the snow lay about half an inch deep, 
and the air was quite cold ; so that the snow. did not disappear, 
though the sun shone quite clearly nearly all the day. This was 
laborious travelling, as we walked up most of the ascents ; and 
there was little to cheer us, but the belief of being in the way 
of our religious duty ; which makes hard things easy and bitter 
things sweet. 

First-day the 24th, brought us to Wilkesboro', about eleven 
miles from the Blue Ridge, the last or most eastern of these 
ranges of mountains, and said to be the highest ground in the 
United States. When we reached the highest point, over which 
this road passes, we stopped to take a survey of the magnificent 
scene spread before us. Standing on the edge of a vast preci- 
pice, we had at our feet mountains piled on one another, and 
deep ravines intervening ; to whose bottoms the eye could not 
penetrate. It was the grandest sight of the kind I ever saw. 
The road was generally good, and the rise as well as descent 
being gradual, made the travelling much more pleasant than the 
two preceding days. Some spots are cultivated, affording good 
grass and corn; but here, as in other parts, we see decayed 
buildings and deserted clearings, and where the inhabitants still 
remain, the land affords but a scanty subsistence beyond the 
supply of food ; it being impracticable to obtain many of the 
comforts, and few or none of the refinements or luxuries of 
civilized christian life. 

25th. We got to Anderson Johnson's at Hunting Creek; 
whose wife is a daughter of David Brooks, a minister, with 
wnom my uncle, Thomas Scattergood, was travelling as com- 






1 841 ] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 241 

panion, when he first appeared in the ministry. To find our- 
selves once more amongst those of the same religious profession, 
imparted pleasant sensations. This Friend, we were informed, 
was prosecuted for aiding a slave to make his escape ; and 
though the charge was entirely unfounded, yet from false evi- 
dence, he was amerced to the value of the runaway, and costs 
and damages, amounting to about twelve hundred dollars. This 
iniquitous decision seemed likely to ruin him ; he was compelled 
to sell his horses and cattle, and part Of his house furniture, 
and with much difficulty made up the sum, and prevented his 
prosecutors from selling his farm; and thereby throwing him 
and his dependent family houseless upon the world. Now, more 
than seventy years old, he is unable to labor hard, and from the 
great loss and the difficulty in selling produce, he has to endure 
privations which, $t their time of life, he and his afflicted wife 
ought not to be subjected to. 

On the 26th, had an appointed meeting at Hunting Creek, 
and on the 27th and 28th attended those of Forbush and Deep 
Creek. The low state of the life of true religion among many, 
was cause of mournful feelings on their account. To see the 
dwindling condition of many, and the effect which their example 
has upon the younger members, leading them into an associa- 
tion with light and frivolous company, produced apprehensions, 
that unless there is a turning about, and giving themselves up 
to the restraining power of the cross, the Society must run out 
in these parts. Divine goodness was mercifully near, qualifying 
to labor for their help, especially in the last meeting. I never, 
perhaps, felt more destitute of a lively feeling of the presence of 
the Helper of Israel, and very much gave up expectation of say- 
ing anything ; but after sitting long under the burthen of a 
worldly spirit, there seemed a little pointing to express my fear- 
fulness, of the danger of that spirit overspreading the professors 
under our name among them ; and reciting the testimony of the 
Apostle that, " To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritu- 
ally minded is life and peace ;" the truth gradually rose, and I 
have rarely known more strength to labor with such, in the 
spirit and fervor of the Gospel, to turn from their ways and 
to come under the heart-changing power of the Grace of Christ 
Jesus, than in this meeting. Some were softened, and prayer 
was offered that He, who knows our condition, would baptize 
and re-baptize, until the heart was prepared for Him to dwell 



242 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. . [1841. 

in ; yet in the midst of judgment He was interceded with to re- 
member mercy, lest the spirit which He had made should fail 
before Him. A valuable minister said at the close of the meet- 
ing, it was deep wading ; and he thought if he had been faith- 
ful, he should have said something to open the way for me. As 
it had ended well, it appeared to me best as it was; having 
nothing to depend upon but the Lord alone. I came away hum- 
bly thankful for this renewed evidence that I was not forsaken, 
and went with Wm. Dobbins, a sensible, devoted Friend, to his 
home. 

29 th. Accompanied by him, we rode to Chestnut Creek, on 
the Blue Ridge ; put up at William Davis', and held an appoint- 
ed meeting there next afternoon. Here, the obligation to for- 
give those who trespass against us, and the impossibility that 
revenge can dwell in the heart of a true disciple and follower of 
Christ, were brought before me ; and though it seeemed singu- 
lar to open such views in a little company of Friends and a few 
others, yet I could not see any other way, and accordingly gave 
up to it. There were other gospel truths declared and enforced ; 
and after the opportunity, I found a man who attracted my 
attention, when delivering some close things, was a Mormon 
preacher ; which sect of visionary people are represented as 
arming themselves, in an extensive settlement in the western 
country, and holding out the idea that the sword is to be used 
in making way for their impostures. 

31st. Rode down this steep, high mountain, about the middle 
of the day ; stopped by a stream of water, and with some pro- 
visions which we had brought for ourselves and horses, refreshed 
ourselves, and then pursued our way back to the house of our 
friend. Here we had an opportunity with his children, and the 
partners of the married ones ; in which the way opened to warn 
some against a carnal, worldly spirit, and to encourage all to 
yield their hearts to the convicting power of Divine grace ; that 
they might become useful members of religious society. 

Eleventh month 1st. Reached Salem in the evening, a set- 
tlement of the Moravians. The title to the property, compris- 
ing a large tract of many hundred acres, is vested, we were in- 
formed, in their bishop. The land is leased out, so that it cannot 
go into the hands of others, and they suffer none of any other 
profession to settle amongst them. The person who keeps the 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 243 

large and commodious hotel where we staid, we were told, is 
the only exception. 

2nd. Stopped at J. S.'s, and dined, and made arrangements for 
meetings at Dover and Hopewell. On the road we called at a 
smith's shop to get a burr screwed up, and stepping out, I trod on a 
round stick, turned my right foot under me so as to wrench it out 
of the socket. Though soon replaced, it gave me great pain, and 
prevented me from walking about, unless with much difficulty. 
We came on after bathing it, and put up at the boarding-school, 
with our kind and much valued friends Dougan and Asenath 
Clark. Next day attended New Garden Meeting, where I felt 
engaged to encourage the young people to receive the Truth in 
its visitations to their souls ; by which they would be preserved 
from the temptations that abound in the world, and lay the 
foundation for usefulness in the church. Dougan Clark accom- 
panied us to Hopewell, to an appointed meeting ; where the 
way opened to press the necessity of rightly considering the 
dispensation of sickness, with which that neighborhood has 
been visited ; that they might improve by it. The righteous 
were rem'oved from the evil to come, and those who are still 
spared, are loudly called on to consider their latter end, and dil- 
igently improve the remnant of their days ; so that when the 
summons is sounded in their ears, " Steward, give an account of 
thy stewardship," they may be ready to render it with joy. It 
was a serious and impressive opportunity, and closed with sup- 
plication to the Father of mercies, that those afflictions might 
be sanctified to some. Eeturned to the school with feelings of 
peace. 

4th. Went out to the meeting of Hopewell ; in which I was 
distressed with an outside show of religion, where the power of 
godliness was wanting ; and though it was hard to get at any- 
thing, and a trial to deliver what at last arose, yet I saw no 
other way than plainly to open what appeared to me the state 
of some. I endeavored to keep on the clothing of charity, and 
to speak with fear ; and Truth gradually arose, so that at last 
I was enabled to labor with fervency, to draw such into a close 
examination of themselves ; that they might experience the life 
and power of Christ to reign in them. The language of en- 
couragement flowed to the states of others, of a different charac- 
ter, who had many trials to contend with ; but who, if they did 
as the prophet directed the poor widow, to bake a cake for him 



244 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

first, the meal in the barrel should not waste, nor the oil in the 
cruse fail. We dined at 0. P.'s, who piloted us to Deep Eiver ; 
where we attended the Meeting for Sufferings, and the Meeting 
of Ministers and Elders. 

My strained ankle gave me much uneasiness, at times, pre- 
vented me from walking to the meeting-house, about a quarter 
of a mile distant, and sometimes raised apprehensions, whether 
I should ever be able to walk as I had done. It was a trial to 
be thus disabled ; not knowing whether it might not pre- 
vent me from steadily prosecuting the concern I was engaged 
in ; yet I thought it might have been permitted, to teach me 
more caution and deliberation in my movements. In the full 
possession of the powers of body and mind, when we are also 
favored with the openings of the Spirit of Truth, and qualified 
to minister to the needs of the people, self may get up a little; 
and the creature, unless plunged down into poverty and suffer- 
ing, may feel strong in the cause and work of the Lord. He 
has many ways to humble man, and purge away pride; and 
pain of body, frequently reminding him of his crippled and dis- 
abled condition, may contribute to keep him lowly, and lead 
him to depend more steadily on Him, who can heal diseases of 
body and mind. 

On first-day, a large concourse of Friends and others assem- 
bled at New Garden, and after a time of silent waiting, a Friend 
having addressed the company, I apprehended it was my place 
to advert to the conversation, which our Lord gives, as having 
taken place between the rich man and Abraham ; when he 
solicited him to send one from the dead to his five brethren, 
that they might not come into the place of torment ; and Abra- 
ham finally replied to him, "If they hear not Moses and the 
prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from 
the dead." From which it is evident, if man will not embrace 
the means already appointed for his salvation, no other will be 
granted ; and that while he refuses to comply with the terms 
of acceptance, he would be likely to reject a miraculous visita- 
tion, sent for their confirmation. The grace of G-od appearing 
in the hearts of all men, was held up as the immediate means ; 
and denying self, taking up the cross daily and following 
Christ, the terms laid down, upon which alone we can hope 
to partake of that salvation, which He has purchased for all 
those who obey Him. Christ's incarnation, sufferings, death, 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 245 

resurrection, ascension and glorification, wherein He is our pro- 
pitiation for sin, and our intercessor with the Father, and his 
inward and spiritual appearance, knocking at the door of the 
heart for an entrance; his office as the great Baptiser of his 
people; sitting as a refiner with fire and a fuller with soap, in 
which He administers the one saving baptism with the Holy 
G-host and fire, and prepares the heart as a temple for Him by 
his Spirit to dwell in, thus setting up his kingdom there, and 
ruling as Lord, Judge, Lawgiver and King, were treated on and 
supported by Scripture testimony. The Truth rose into a good 
degree of dominion, and our ancient friend Nathan Hunt, ex- 
pressed his satisfaction, saying, " They were the doctrines he 
held and believed, and he was opposed to all innovation upon 
them." 

Second-day the 8th, commenced the Yearly Meeting for Dis- 
cipline, which continued its sittings until the 12th inclusive. 
The business was conducted with much harmony throughout, 
and after hearing the reports from the respective Quarterly 
Meetings, an epistle of counsel was directed to be prepared on 
the different points of defection, referred to in the answers to 
the, Queries. The subject of the guarded and religious educa- 
tion of the youth was brought into view, by reading the report 
of the Boarding School Committee; which furnished an oppor- 
tunity to press upon Friends, a more deep and thorough atten- 
tion to the right education of their children. The money which 
some parents might be laying up for them in the latter part of 
their lives, would never be of as much value to them, as when 
expended in giving them proper literary instruction, at a 
period of life when they were most capable of receiving it. If 
this period is suffered to pass, they may grow up in ignorance, 
and never be of that service in society which they ought to be. 
A hope was entertained that the Boarding School would con- 
tinue to be supported, and its benefits be extended amongst the 
youth of this Yearly Meeting. Making our home at the school- 
house, gave us an opportunity of mingling with the committees ; 
and being invited to sit with one appointed to consider the ex- 
pediency of continuing the liberty to children not members to 
enter the school, all the strangers, with one voice, gave their 
judgment against it ;. both because it was not the original de- 
sign, and would tend to expose our youth to the principles of 
others, but in our opinion, would diminish eventually the num- 
17 



246 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVAN'S. [1841. 

ber of scholars, and consequently, destroy the institution, in- 
stead of contributing to its support. The committee adopted 
this sentiment, and it received the sanction of the Yearly 
Meeting. Many solid, young and middle-aged men attended the 
Yearly Meeting, who appeared to love the testimonies of Truth, 
and were devoted to the services of the Society. 

On seventh-day morning I parted, in much affection, with my 
kind and esteemed friends D. and A. Clark, and went to Deep 
Eiver ; where we held a meeting with the members and others ; 
which proved a hard and laborious opportunity. After dinner, 
we rode to our friend John Carter's where we were comfortably 
quartered. 

On first-day, 14th, we were at Springfield, where a considera- 
ble number of Friends and others convened ; some of whom 
appear to be a seeking people, and not knowing where to find 
what they longed for, are wandering from place to place, and 
from one preacher to another. These were recommended to the 
gift of Grace in their own hearts; by receiving which they 
would come to have their eyes opened to see their conditions, 
and true faith be given them to believe in Christ their Saviour ; 
who would feed them with the bread of life, and open'in them 
the spring of living water ; by which their souls would be re- 
freshed and nourished up unto everlasting life. Christ was 
preached as the Author of this true faith, as the Eock on which 
the church is built ; as the Captain of salvation, who only can 
arm his soldiers for the spiritual warfare ; and who gives them 
victory over their soul's enemies. No man can come to the 
Father, but by Him ; and it is only as He is revealed in the 
heart, by the same spirit which revealed Him to Peter, that any 
can have true and saving faith in Him ; by which they lay hold 
of the offers of his love and mercy, and through the obedience 
of which, they obtain victory over the world, the flesh and the 
devil ; and persevering to the end, inherit the promises, and are 
made partakers of that salvation, which He purchased for all 
those who receive and obey Him. It was a season of Divine 
regard ; wherein I was greatly favored with utterance, and the 
presentation of many passages of Scripture, to show the nature 
of the Gospel dispensation, and to confirm the principles of 
Friends. It was cause of humble gratitude to our Holy Helper, 
that He was pleased to open the treasury of things, new and 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 247 

old, and qualify to exalt his great name, and call upon the people 
to come and enlist under the banner of the Prince of peace. 

On second-day, J. P, piloted us to Piney Woods, about eight 
miles ; a very reduced meeting. A fatal disease had prevailed 
there for several months, removing about one hundred out of 
five hundred persons, to their everlasting reward. It was 
thought some good effect had been produced upon a rough and 
rather dissipated people, by this awful visitation ; but from the 
feelings which came over me in the meeting, and the descrip- 
tion of doctrine I had to preach, it seemed to me, some still re- 
• mained in a very crude state, with little regard for the restric- 
tions of true religion. 

We dined at the house of a sick Friend, and before going 
away, I was led to draw him into a consideration of the uncer- 
tainty of all earthly things, and the importance of having the 
day's work done in the daytime. For when the pale messenger 
is sent to our habitation, there can be no refusal of the sum- 
mons ; go we must, prepared or unprepared. We put up at J. 
P.'s, and in the morning had a religious opportunity with his 
family, encouraging the parents and children more faithfully to 
yield themselves to the Lord, and to the support of his cause. 
Our friend John Carter went with us to Kennet, where we had 
another trying meeting with a few members; and yet some 
ability was felt to labor with them, and to intercede that their 
last days, through greater dedication to Christ, might become 
their best days. A Friend of this meeting offering to pilot us, 
we took an affectionate farewell of our beloved friend John 
Carter, and went on to the house of a Friend, whom we found 
sick in bed. This put us to a stand whether we might not be 
in danger of taking this fever, by lodging where it prevailed ; 
and we accordingly told his wife, that as we wished to go 
through the Yearly Meeting, we felt cautious of exposing our- 
selves to the liability of sickness; so far as we could guard 
against it ; and perhaps we had better go further. She said we 
could have a room, separate from all other parts of the house ; 
where we could lodge and remain, if we chose. Her offer was 
made with such hearty good will and desire to keep us. that we 
made no further hesitation. A fire was soon kindled on the 
hearth in the chamber, and myself and companion, after having 
spent a little time with the invalid, retired to our comfortable 
apartment, where we ruminated on the singular transitions tra- 



248 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

vellerslike ourselves are subjected to, and the unfeigned kindness 
displayed by those we visit; and often by none more heartily, 
. than those whose means are limited, and their accommodations of 
the simpler kind. Before setting out to meeting on the follow- 
ing morning, I did not feel easy without taking an opportunity 
with the father of the family, in the presence of his wife ; in 
which I expressed the belief, that when disease assailed us, the 
Holy Spirit at times, made use of it as a means to show us our 
frailty, and the great uncertainty of all earthly possessions and 
enjoyments ; that the gracious design of our Heavenly Father, 
in thus opening, to our view, our state, and the instability of all 
things here below, was to draw us from all inordinate pursuit 
and attachment to them ; to redeem us from them, and set our 
affections on things that are above. When the message was 
delivered to Hezekiah, "Set thine house in order, for thou 
shalt die and not live," he turned his face to the wall and 
prayed ; and fifteen years were added to his days. But if it 
should be the Lord's will to add fifteen days, or months, or years, 
it was of great moment that the present dispensation should be 
rightly improved ; for we know not that such another offer of 
Divine love and help will be made. 

The meeting was a reduced one, and after a season of silent 
waiting, the language was brought before me, " Be watchful, and 
strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die ; for 
I have not found thy works perfect before God." I felt tenderly 
for the stripped company, believing they had given way to dis- 
couragement, on account of the few who remained to bear the 
burthen; and for want of steadily looking to the unfailing 
Source of all strength, they had lost ground; the enemy had 
prevailed over them ; and their works were not perfect before 
God. Though it is our duty to deliver plainly what the Master 
gives for the people, yet I felt desirous not to hurt the oil or the 
wine ; but, as ability was given, to lay judgment to the line 
where it belonged, and to strengthen the things that remain, 
which might appear to be ready to die ; and to encourage some 
to put their trust in the Lord Jehovah, in whom there remains 
everlasting strength. Strength that will last through all time, 
and through all trials, as we lean upon it, and lay hold of it. 
Our hostess, who sat at the head of the gallery, looked as if her 
heart had been tenderly touched, and took leave of me very 
affectionately. A Friend afterwards told me, she was glad we 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 249 

had put up at their house, for she had been in quite a depressed 
and discouraged state of mind. Thus it appears that the hand 
of Divine Providence, at times, turns his children into places 
for the help of others ; for had our guide told us that sickness 
was there, I doubt whether we should have gone. 

"We rode from the meeting-house to our friends J. and A. S.'s ; 
where we found a pleasant resting-place. Attended their meet- 
ing, Centre, where I was led to speak of the value and effect of 
inward, united exercise of spirit before the Lord, that the life 
and power of Truth might be experienced to arise, and circulate 
from member to member. The church was compared to a body- 
having members ; and as each performed its function, it minis- 
tered to the benefit of others, and the body was thereby kept 
in a healthy condition. So it was in the mystical body and 
church of Christ; where every one maintains its place and per- 
forms its duty, strength would be preserved, and the circula- 
tion of Divine life would prevail from one to another. But where 
many were indifferent and negligent, this circulation was im- 
peded, and the living members are burthened. ^uch negligent 
ones become stumbling-blocks, and choke up the wells of water; 
and this makes hard work for the few. Where one member 
suffers, the others suffer with it; and where one is honored, the 
rest rejoice with it. The necessity of making clean the inside 
of the cup and platter ; for the Lord looks not on the counten- 
ance, nor the height of the stature, but at the heart, was en- 
forced. As the subject opened, the possibility and the obligation 
to become freed from sin, in this life, and the practice of some 
professed ministers of Christ, pleading for sin during life, being 
an evidence they are not his ministers, were brought into view. 
As Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, it is no 
marvel if his ministers should transform themselves into the ap- 
pearance of Christ's ministers ; but no fountain can at the same 
time send forth sweet water and bitter. " A good man out of the 
good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things ; and an 
evil man out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things." A 
tree is known by its fruit ; when the fruit is bad, we pronounce 
the tree bad. Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. 
He did not suffer, that man might sin with impunity; but gave 
Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and 
purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works — 
not evil works. "If any man will come after me, let him deny 



250 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

himself, take up his cross, and follow me." We cannot follow 
Him and follow Satan at the same time. It was very unex- 
pected to me to be thus drawn forth upon the necessity of being 
cleansed from all impurity; that we may partake of the fullness 
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ ; but it is probable there 
was a cause. 

We dined with an afflicted Friend and his daughter, with 
whom we had a little opportunity to manifest our sympathy, 
and desire that their* trials may be blessed to them. Returned 
to J. Stanley's; and next morning, after acknowledging the 
refreshment it had afforded us, in being so kindly cared for under 
their roof, we set off in the rain for Providence Meeting Here 
we had a small company; nearly all plain people; and for a 
long time I felt unable to discover what they were. The lan- 
guage presented, "Who is blind but my servant; or deaf as 
my messenger that I sent?" but this did not appear to be de- 
signed for them. Then it revived, " I will bring the blind by a 
way they know not ; I will lead them in paths which they have 
not known ; I will make darkness light before them, and crook- 
ed things straight," &c, and I found it necessary to wait pa- 
tiently to see what the Lord would do. After a time, the 
condition of the Laodicean church came before me, as being de- 
scriptive of this people; and with fear and caution, I believed 
it right to stand up and bring into view the language of the 
Spirit to that ancient church. Many things of a close nature 
were delivered, under feelings of sincere desire for their help ; 
and though there seemed few who had not fallen into great 
lukewarmness, yet the spirit of prayer was granted, to inter- 
cede for their revival. 

On the 23d, we had a meeting at New Salem, in which the 
call and qualification of a gospel minister were treated on. It 
was declared that no man could take this honor to himself, un- 
less he is called of G-od ; which call is by the revelation of Christ 
in. the soul ; through obedience to whom a preparation is expe- 
rienced for the reception of a gift in the ministry. This is 
freely given by the Head of the church Himself, and is to be 
freely exercised, under his putting forth, without price or bar- 
gaining. The importance of professing Christians coming to 
wait upon Him, and not upon man, that they may receive the 
blessings and privileges provided for them in the gospel, was 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 251 

held up and enforced. In the afternoon, we rode to Marl- 
borough. 

We attended the meeting at Marlborough, being first-day; in 
which the state of things felt to be low. It appeared proper to 
sound an alarm amongst them, lest they become swallowed up 
by the world, and lost in a state of indifference to the work of 
their own salvation, and the support of the cause of Christ. 
The right education of their children ; which is often neglected 
by parents becoming engrossed with schemes of business, was 
plainly spoken to, and parents solemnly called upon, to give 
more close and serious attention to the cultivation of the minds 
of their children, the proper care of their persons, and to sub- 
jugating their wills and passions, at an early period of life. 
They were urged not to withhold from them a suitable share 
of school instruction ; so that they might not be sunk in igno- 
rance, and feel themselves lessened by it. The happiness which 
resulted to parents and children, where they were joined in 
walking together in the right way of the Lord ; promoting each 
other's best welfare; far outweighs any pecuniary advantages, 
arising from entire devotion to the pursuit of business. The 
toil and watchful care of such pious parents, would generally be 
amply repaid in old age, by the fruits of it in their offspring. 
Then would these, under the influence of the power of religion, 
cherish and console their valued and declining parents; whose 
joy it would be, to see their sons and daughters established in 
.the Truth, and as upright pillars, supporting the ark of its testi- 
monies. 

In the afternoon we set off for Back Creek, and in the even- 
ing reached the residence of our friend Phineas Nixon, where 
we were kindly and comfortably entertained. The weather 
being wet in the morning, occasioned the meeting to be smaller, 
particularly on the women's side ; and though I was kept a con- 
siderable time empty, and shut up from any opening, I believed 
it right to keep still, and refrain from attempting to stir up or 
awake Him, who has the key of David, and the right to hide 
his face as long as He pleases. This state of mind was prepara- 
tory to unfolding the necessity of abiding in Christ, and keep- 
ing the word of his patience; that nothing man could do, in his 
time and strength, would be any better than filthy rags ; but 
those who waited for, and relied upon the renewed manifesta- 
tions of Holy Help, whatever their gifts, would be qualified to 



252 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

bring forth fruit, to the praise of the Great Husbandman, and 
the edification of his church and people. It was a time of 
strengthening the hands of the faithful, and inviting the young 
members to accept the offers of Heavenly love and mercy, ex- 
tended to their souls ; and to enlist under the banner of the 
Captain of their salvation. The feelings of my mind were se- 
rene and peaceful ; yet after reaching the comfortable residence 
of Samuel Hill, I felt low and weary, and did not sleep well 
through the night. There seemed little from without, to which 
I could resort for comfort ; and after taking a solitary walk, I 
thought it was designed to keep me in a humble, dependent 
state ; and that such dispensations are a mercy, and indispensable 
for us. to pass through. Went to meeting poor, and sat there 
empty, yet looking to and striving to wait upon the Master. 
Two-thirds of the company were not of our Society; to whom 
it appeared to be my place, to open a little, the nature of the 
worship instituted by Christ under the gospel ; which is not 
limited to time nor place, but is in spirit and in truth; as de- 
clared by Him to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. 

We rode to Ashborough, and put up at a tavern kept by a 
Methodist; who informed us that their discipline does not admit 
of buying or selling slaves; yet does not prohibit the members 
from holding them. I gave him some account of the progress 
made among Friends in clearing the Society of slaveholding, and 
expressed my wish that they could adopt the same course, and 
come to the same result. He remarked it would suit him very 
well ; he did not hold any, but hired them as he wanted help ; 
which amounts nearly to the same thing. 

A person, not of us, in company with his wife, inclining to at- 
tend the meeting, piloted us to Bethel, where we found a com- 
pany, mostly of other professors, sitting around the house, waiting 
our arrival. As we observed in many places, they did not take 
their seats until the stranger, or the chief members, went into 
the house. The principal service was relating to the nature of 
the gospel dispensation ; particularly enforcing as a fundamen- 
tal and practical truth, the necessity of being made free from 
sin in this life, that we may partake of that salvation which 
comes by Jesus Christ. The people were quiet and serious. 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 253 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

Continuation of Visit to North Carolina Yearly Meeting — Causes of Trial — 
Visit to Money Select Preparative Meeting. 

1841—1842. 

Eleventh month 25th. fifth-day, attended Holly Spring Meet- 
ing, composed of a large number of plain Friends ; to whom the 
injunction of Christ, " Take no thought saying, what shall we 
eat ? what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be clothed? 
for after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your Heav- 
enly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all 
the^e things shall be added unto you," was treated on. It was 
shown where this was carefully attended to in early life, and 
faithfully persevered in, the follower of Christ was preserved 
from the entanglements and perplexities, which the disobedient 
often become involved in. While these run into the inordinate 
pursuit of the world, after they had been visited in early life, 
and lose the life and greenness which they once had, the dedi- 
cated sons and daughters of God, are enabled to keep their 
wo: Idly concerns in their proper place, and to fulfil their social 
and religious duties, in the right time and manner. The young 
people were earnestly pressed to mind the openings of Divine 
light, upon their understanding: and to walk in obedience 
thereto; that so they may grow in the knowledge of the Truth, 
and become established in it. The solemnizing power of the 
Blessed Head was felt among us, and I hoped some of the 
young on^s would be aroused to increased devotion and zeal. 

The ignorance which prevails among some, and their indiffer- 
ence to the work of religion in their own hearts, and to the 
spreading of it amongst us, is truly lamentable. They are so 
engrossed in the grovelling pursuit of earthly treasure, that 
they feel little or no interest in the concerns of their own re- 
ligious society; neglecting their religious meetings, particu- 
larly Quarterly and Yearly Meetings ; as if they could not spare 
any time from the world to attend them. These often imbibe 
prejudices against Friends, and the decisions of meetings; 



254 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

which, did they faithfully discharge their own duties, would 
never gain an entrance into their minds, or long hold possession 
of them. 

We held an appointed meeting at Piney Eidge on the 26th, 
and afterwards rode about eighteen miles, much of the way 
through the woods, to our friend Phineas Nixon's. Here we 
met our friends, Abner Heald and David Fawcet, of Salem, 
Ohio. It is pleasant to get into the company of those who are 
abroad, laboring in the Master's cause ; the number of such be- 
ing small in this day. I believe we were mutually comforted 
in thus being thrown together. Next day attended the Quar- 
terly Meeting; where a pretty large body of Friends, and a large 
number of others assembled. The great want of practical re- 
ligion amongst the professors of the name of Christ ; what that 
religion would lead to ; and the blessed fruits which would be 
produced by it in the world ; were largely treated on ; the Mas- 
ter of our assemblies furnishing matter and strength to preach 
his everlasting gospel, in the demonstration of his spirit and 
power. Great solemnity and quiet prevailed over the meeting. 
In the meeting for Discipline, I endeavored to press upon Friends 
the advice of the Yearly Meeting, contained in its epistle ; to 
labor affectionately with those who use ardent spirits as a drink, 
or give it to their workmen ; that, if possible, they may be re- 
claimed from the evil habit ; and that those who persist in it, 
may be enumerated, and the account taken up to the next 
Yearly Meeting. 

The subject of education being brought to view in reading 
the Boarding School report, it afforded an opportunity to j)lead 
with Friends on behalf of the dear children ; that those who 
had the means should devote a proper portion of it to give them 
suitable school learning, at an age when they will best acquire it. 
Money expended for this object will yield the best interest, and 
will be far more valuable to them, than given to them when ar- 
riving at manhood, without education. On the guarded religious 
instruction and care of the youth, very much depends the hope 
of the preservation and continuance of our Society; and in 
other places this watchful care had been productive of much 
good. I came away from the meeting altogether relieved and 
peaceful; got our horses, and we set off immediately and rode 
sixteen miles to our friend, J. A.'s, having his son for guide. 
The road as far as Ashborough, was mountainous and tedious, 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 255 

and we did not arrive until about twenty minutes after seven 
o'clock; but the moonlight aided us much in driving safely. 
The welcome we met with here, as in other places, was grateful, 
especially after the fatigue of a long meeting, and the ride in the 
evening. On the following morning a snow storm set in, which 
lasted all the day, beating in our faces much of the way to 
Eocky Eiver, about twelve miles. Here we had a meeting at 
three o'clock in the afternoon ; about twenty men and eight 
women. The way opened to encourage the few members to 
diligence and faithfulness in their religious duties ; and to warn 
some transgressors present, to forsake their evil ways, and turn 
unto the Lord who would have mercy, if they repented and for- 
sook their wrong courses. In a little opportunity with the 
family of the Friend where we stopped, I endeavored to encour- 
age the parents and children ; expressing the belief that the Son 
of Peace had been at work in the hearts of some of them. 

29th. Had an appointed meeting at Cane Creek, where we 
met with our friends, Dougan and Asenath Clark. It was to me 
a trying time. I labored some among them under discourage- 
ment, from a feeling of the low state of religion there ; in which 
it felt, that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain 
who build it. D. Clark spoke of it as another offer of Divine 
visitation, and exhorted them to close in w r ith it. The weather 
being cold and the ground covered with snow, we concluded to 
tarry with our friends, Joseph Dixon and family; whom we 
found under some concern for the state of society here. I had 
a good deal of conversation with him, respecting the want of 
liberality in education. After an opportunity with the family, 
in the morning, he piloted us to South Fork meeting, appointed at 
ten o'clock ; thence we went to Chatham, at three o'clock in the 
afternoon. I was engaged to labor for the encouragement of 
the sincere-hearted in both meetings ; that they might, through 
dedication to the Lord, be strengthened to build up the waste 
places, and support their religious meetings, and the testimo- 
nies given us to bear. In the latter meeting there was a num- 
ber of persons, to whom it was my place to show, that man is 
not judged and condemned because he has no light or knowl- 
edge of what is right and wrong, but because he is not obedient 
to that which he has. Our Saviour lays down the doctrine very 
plainly : " This is the condemnation, that light has come into 
the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because 



256 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth 
the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be 
reproved ; but he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his 
deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God." 
They were appealed to for the verity of the doctrine, in their 
own experience, and called upon to receive and obey the light 
of Christ in its manifestions to the soul ; that they might re- 
ceive strength from Him to forsake their evil practices, and ex- 
perience reconciliation with God through Him. Some of them 
were serious, and I believe were convinced of the truth of what 
was delivered. Our friend John Newlin, came to the meeting ; 
with whom we went home, and the next day were at the Spring 
Meeting, being the 1st of the Twelfth month. 

Twelfth month 2nd. Set off in company with John Newlin 
who was going to Hillsborough, and when we came to the road 
which we had proposed to take for Ealeigh, I felt some doubts 
of leaving the few Friends residing at Eno j lest I should carry 
away a burden in relation to them, which would be undesirable 
to bear. On mentioning my fears of omitting to go there to 
John ISTewlin, and asking whether the few Friends could be got 
together soon, he replied, yes, in half an hour ; and encouraged 
me to go. Although a trial to turn out of our course, I believed 
it best. We reached the house of T. T. ; whose wife has fre- 
quently sat alone in the meeting-house ; I think as often as five 
mid-week meeting days successively; and a messenger was soon 
dispatched to his brother to invite his family to meet there. 
After dinner, we sat down together, six or eight children of each 
family ; and my Divine Master soon prepared me to communi- 
cate to them ; bringing to my remembrance the circumstance of 
the woman who broke the alabaster box of ointment, of great 
value, and poured it on His head ; for which some found fault, 
as a waste of that which might have been sold and given to the 
poor. It appeared applicable to this devoted woman ; who, 
through many difficulties, was openly acknowledging her fidelity 
to her Lord, in devoting a portion of her time and labor to attend 
her religious meetings ; while others were neglecting them, and 
perhaps thinking it a waste of time in her to go there. The 
conditions of the others were also spoken to ; calling upon 
them to obey the invitation often extended to them — to enter 
into the vineyard of their own hearts, and labor by the aid of 
the Holy Spirit, to have every thing eradicated that obstructed 



[18-11. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 257 

the growth of the Seed of the kingdom. To the heads of the 
families, who were in the neglect of their duty, the intimation 
was given that the eleventh hour was at hand, and they were 
solemnly warned of the danger of putting off this all-important 
work ; and the young people were affectionately pressed to open 
the door of their hearts, and let the King of Glory come in and 
make them what He would have them to be ; lights in the world, 
and as a city set upon a hill that could not be hid ; that others 
might see their good works and glorify their Father which is 
in heaven. Some of them were brought under serious feelings, 
and I left them, thankful for the extension of holy help to dis- 
charge my duty towards them. We rode to Hillsborough and 
put up at a tavern ; not very agreeable to my feelings. The 
unpleasantness of the place, the dark rainy weather, and the 
trial I had passed through, in turning aside from our orig- 
inal route, covered me with sadness ; which none can rightly 
understand who have never had such a mission to fulfil, and know 
not what it is to have their faith closely proved, when they 
have no other desire than to be found faithful to their Lord in 
his requirings. But I went to bed and slept pretty well; rose 
early the next morning, and about seven o'clock left the place, 
and through some rain and mud rode to Raleigh, The weather 
cleared off in the evening, and we succeeded in getting our 
breakfast at the hotel the following morning, in time to leave 
the town at eight o'clock. We had forty-three miles to ride in 
order to reach J. K.'s ; much of the way through a piney coun- 
try ; the roads pretty level and sandy ; and though we stopped 
nearly an hour to feed our horses, we arrived at our friends 
about sunset, and were hospitably received and entertained. 

On first-day moning, Twelfth month 5th, we went to Neuse 
Meeting, about seven miles ; crossing that river in a flat which 
we did not deem very safe, owing to its small size, the strength 
of the current, and the depth of the water ; which had risen 
considerably from the late snow and rain. Persons of other per- 
suasions, as well as Friends, collected, and it was some trial to 
be placed before such a company, a stranger, to whom their at- 
tention was naturally directed. But after some time, there was 
an opening on the preciousness of the salvation of the immor- 
tal soul, and that nothing in this world was worthy of being 
brought into competition with it. The people sat very still 
and attentive. In the course of the communication, my mind 



258 journal or WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

was turned to the state of an infidel. After having set forth 
the object of the coming, sufferings, death, resurrection, &c, of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, I was led to dwell upon the awfulness of 
falling into a state, which landed individuals in a feeling like 
that of Cain, a vagabond on the earth ; and having fallen into 
great wretchedness, such seek to draw others into the like con- 
dition with themselves. " Their vine is the vine of Sodom, and 
of the fields of Gomorrah ; their grapes are grapes of gall, their 
clusters are bitter." "The poison of asps is under their lips." 
These were solemnly warned of their danger, and invited to 
yield to the grace of God, which at times was bringing them 
under fearful apprehensions of his just and inevitable judgments, 
if they die in this condition. To those who love the Lord Jesus, 
the blessedness of the heavenly reward at the end of the race, 
if they persevere, when G-od will wipe away all tears from their 
eyes, was held forth ; and they were encouraged to increased 
faithfulness and dedication. 

It was a solemn opportunity, and when the meeting closed, 
several men, not of our Society, shook hands in a manner 
which indicated their unity with the doctrine. We returned 
after dinner to J. K.'s, and in the evening had a religious oppor- 
tunity with his family. 

6th. Eode eight miles to Nahunta Meeting, and though early 
when we reached the house, found a number collected, who seem- 
ed like a people willing to hear the Gospel preached. We sat a 
long time in silence ; as it seemed to me to shovr ihat we were 
not to be ready to speak in man's time, and that the Lord will 
not gratify that disposition, which many have, to wait and de- 
pend upon man. These feelings prepared me, in some degree, 
to show the people that it is not according to the Gospel dis- 
pensation to look to man for a knowledge of the Divine will, 
nor for spiritual bread. No man can impart spiritual bread, but 
as it is given him by Christ. It was under the Jewish dispen- 
sation, that the law was to be received from the priests' lips; 
not so under the Gospel. Every one is to come to and wait 
upon Christ. The Lord will not give his glory to another. The 
way gradually opened to invite the people to come to Christ, 
that they might know Him to be their teacher ; to instruct 
them in the things which pertain to their soul's salvation, and 
to give them the bread and water of life, to nourish them up 
unto everlasting life. They were also shown, that as they thus 



1841."| JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 259 

came into his government and kingdom, there could be no re- 
venge, nor ill-will, nor use of improper language towards each 
other. Parents being united in this, they would be concerned 
for their children, to bring them also to Christ ; and such fami- 
lies would verify the description given by the Psalmist, of this 
unity being like the ointment poured upon the head, which ran 
down to the skirts of the garment ; and like the dew which de- 
scends upon the mountains of Zion ; where the Lord commanded 
the blessing, even life for evermore. 

The meeting closed with prayer, for some who have nearly 
reached the eleventh hour ; that they might, by the love of God, 
be constrained to labor in the vineyards of their own hearts, and 
have every wrong plant removed ; that they might be clothed 
with gravity and wisdom, to set a proper example to their chil- 
dren : and for those who meet in this place, that, through in- 
creased dedication, they might be qualified to support the ark 
of the testimonies, and show forth the praises of the Lord God 
and the Lamb. The meeting ended solemnly, and the people 
were serious, and some of them tendered. We then rode home 
with a member, and staid with him and his family that night. 
"Within the limits of this meeting, we were informed, of two 
Friends and their wives, who do not know their letters. They 
have raised a large number of children, who, of course, they 
could not instruct themselves, by reading to them in the Holy 
Scriptures. 

7th. Had a meeting at Contentnea. The house being very 
open, and no fire, I suffered so from the cold, that when speak- 
ing I could hardly prevent my teeth from striking together. 
The state of this meeting appeared to me very low, and my 
feelings were discouraging, and I said but little in the meeting. 
Went to the house of a Friend living on the way towards Rich 
Square, and several being there in the evening, I felt willing to 
have a religious opportunity with them ; in which I endeavored 
to press upon them the necessity of more thorough devotion to 
the cause of Truth, that they may be instrumental in support- 
ing the testimonies given to us to bear, and in reviving the zeal 
of others. 

I am persuaded that the open, comfortless condition of most 
of their meeting-houses, — nearly all without any means of warm- 
ing them, or drying the wet clothes of those who ride or walk 
in the rain or snow, — has the effect to keep their meetings 



260 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

smaller than they would be, were proper care taken to make 
them fit places to meet for the worship of Him, to whom we owe 
ourselves, and all that we possess. Men of ability will provide 
for themselves suitable habitations; and how much more care- 
ful should they be, to have buildings decent, and appropriate for 
the worship of the Lord of Hosts, where they assemble pro- 
fessedly to pay the homage due to his great name. The dilapi- 
dated state of the house, may strike strangers as an index to 
the kind of religion which the professed worshippers possess, 
and may stumble or turn aside sincere seekers. I mentioned 
the subject to several of the members, at the close of the meet- 
ing, and they admitted the force of the observations ; remarking 
that some other Friend had spoken to them respecting it before. 
It is to be feared, that the general apathy on the subject of 
vital, practical religion, has an influence, in many places, to 
deter Friends from providing all the accommodation they re- 
quire, and the sheds to defend their horses from the inclemency 
of the weather. 

We set off early on the 8th, accompanied by two guides, and 
rode to Tarborough, thirty-seven miles, and lodged. The next 
morning, proceeded to Roanoke River ; which had been over its 
banks in some places, — caused by a late freshet, — and lodged tim- 
ber on the road, so as to obstruct it : but we succeeded in finding 
a way around, which we could not have passed a few days earlier. 
After reaching T. P.'s, we had notices sent out for a meeting en 
the next day, at Rich Square ; which we attended ; being a pretty 
iarge collection of Friends and others. This was the meeting 
to which that deep and powerful minister of the Gospel of 
Christ, Richard Jordan, belonged; where he labored in his early 
life, in his Divine Master's cause. After sitting down in the 
meeting, I was assailed with the suggestion that I had done 
wrong in omitting to go to Core Sound, and now I might be left 
to myself to get along as well as I could; and what a condition 
I should bring myself into, if I could now get no further, and 
be obliged to inform Friends that I had missed my way, and 
must turn back to that meeting, about two hundred miles distant. 
I was willing to do anything for peace of mind, and to have the 
favor of my Divine Master restored ; if I had forfeited it through 
disobedience, or undertaking to decide for myself. These views 
humbled me greatly, and my faith and hope were reduced low. 
But He, whose the cause is which I desired might not suffer, 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. * 261 

had compassion on me; and in the midst of my conflict gave me 
unexpectedly an intimation to stand up with the testimony : 
''There is none other name under heaven given amongst men 
whereby we must be saved," but the name of Jesus Christ of 
Nazareth. I was, at first, afraid to comply lest I was deceived ; 
but in mercy it was repeated ; and I arose, not knowing what I 
was to say further, and leaving it all to the Lord to supply the 
matter. The way was opened to preach Christ Jesus as the 
only way to the Father, and his spiritual baptism with the Holy 
Ghost and fire, as the appointed means by which sin and cor- 
ruption are to be purged out of the heart of man ; and he pre- 
pared to be made a partaker of the fulness of the blessings of 
the gospel of Christ; both in what He did and suffered for us, 
in the prepared body, and the glorious reward at the end of the 
race ; laid up for all those who love and serve Him with sin- 
cerity and faithfulness. The current then turned to the exercised 
remnant in this meeting; who were encouraged to increased 
dedication in the occupancy of their gifts, and to be willing to 
be again and again baptized into suffering on their own account, 
and for the body's sake, the church. The young people were 
also invited to receive Christ in his visitations to their souls ; 
to take his yoke upon them and learn of Him, that they maybe 
made servants in his house, and qualified to support the doc- 
trines and testimonies given to us to bear. Some of the sincere- 
hearted were tendered, and manifested their unity, in seeming 
unwillingness to part from us, as well as by expressing their 
satisfaction with our company. But I left them in a low state 
of mind, not knowing how I should get through with the re- 
maining meetings ; and whether I should not yet find my way 
blocked up, by disqualification for service, brought on by omit- 
ting to go to that distant meeting. 

A young man offering to pilot us, we set off for B. C.'s, seven- 
teen miles, on our way to Piney Woods, eating our dinner in 
the carriage ; whose house we reached just before dusk. This 
family, residing so far from their meeting, as seldom to get 
there, I had a religious opportunity with them ; in which I held 
up to view the great object of life, the importance of bringing 
up their children in a proper manner;, and whether, if they 
rightly felt the importance of regularly attending their religious 
meetings, the way would not be made to remove- where they 
would be able to be at them more frequently. 
18 



262 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

We left here the following morning, 11th, and rode forty- 
miles to J. UST.'s, and finding that our friend B. C. of Indiana, 
had notice spread of his intention to be here next day, we went 
down on first-day morning to Little Eiver Meeting ; where we 
found a small company ; six or eight Friends and a number of 
others. In the afternoon we proceeded to Symond's Creek and 
Newbegan Creek, appointing meetings for the next day. We 
put up at J. P.'s. 

We had a meeting next day at Newbegan Creek; in which 
the duty of silent waiting, and introversion of mind before the 
Lord, that we may hear and understand the still small voice 
which speaketh as never man spake, and by obedience thereto, 
be brought to the knowledge of Cod and Jesus Christ, whom 
He hath sent, which is life eternal ; was opened and enforced. 
It was shown that, however valuable the knowledge communi- 
cated by the Scriptures, and highly to be prized and cherished, 
yet this of itself was not sufficient. The saving knowledge of 
the Father is received by and through the Son ; who is the way, 
the truth and the life, communicated by the operations of his 
Spirit in the heart. It was a time of renewed favor. 

After dining, we rode to Symond's Creek, where we had the 
company of nearly all the members of the two meetings last 
visited. It was satisfactory to have them together; giving the 
opportunity of entering into feeling with them, in their reduced 
condition ; in which the way was opened to encourage the 
honest-hearted to keep hold of the shield of faith ; whereby they 
might quench the darts of the enemy, who seeks to discourage 
and turn aside from the path of duty. The necessity of watch- 
ing over, and restraining the children from the corruptions 
which abound in the world, and of Friends coming under reli- 
gious exercise, that they may be qualified to bring them up in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, were pointed out ; and 
the danger of being overwhelmed by the pursuit of business 
and the love of money, impressed upon some. The Truth rose 
into dominion, and brought some into tenderness, and they took 
leave of us in near affection and unity, desiring our preserva- 
tion avory way. 

It is not many years since the meetings held at these lower 
houses were quite large ; but the climate being unhealthy in 
these counties, and Friends surrounded by slaves and slave- 
holders, they have gradually moved into the Western States ; 






1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 263 

until the number is scarcely sufficient to keep up their meetings 
with reputation. The Yearly Meeting of North Carolina was 
first held altogether at Little Eiver; then alternately here and 
at New Garden; but as Friends increased in the middle and 
western side of the State, and went thence into Tennessee, it has 
been held altogether at New Garden. It produces mournful 
feelings to see our meetings reducing and going down, and the 
houses deserted and sold. Friends have the right to leave one 
country, and go into another, where they are satisfied that Divine 
wisdom points to such change. It is, however, very needful to 
know, that it is the mind of our Holy Leader we should make 
such a move ; for not only trials are brought upon those who 
remain, by the reduction of the meeting, and by Friends selling 
their property to slaveholders, who move in among them ; but 
those who go, it is to be feared, in some instances, have not im- 
proved their condition, either temporally or spiritually. But had 
they remained, they might have been instrumental in gathering 
others to the Truth ; and by keeping up the meetings, preserved 
the children of Friends in the Society ; many of whom, for want 
of proper company and example, have gone into the world, and 
formed connections for life, which have led them out of the So- 
ciety, and proved a lasting injury. Some have, no doubt, removed 
from honest motives, and have prospered; yet it is not an evi- 
dence of redemption from the love of the world, to see Friends, 
the highest professing people amongst Christians, so ready to take 
wing, and hasten after the valuable lands, recently obtained 
from the conquered natives; who are driven hither and thither, 
having scarcely any certain dwelling-place. The example of 
thirst for gain does not become a professedly self-denying peo- 
ple, and must make an impression on others, unfavorable to the 
reception of the gospel as held by us. It, moreover, brings 
dimness of vision on ourselves, and the loss of that lively zeal 
and spiritual-mi ndedness, which belong to the true Christian ; 
and eminently characterized the early members of our Society. 
We had an appointed meeting at Well's, on the 14th ; attend- 
ed Bush Spring on the 15th ; both of which were exercising. It 
is painful to have to sit where the negligent and slothful sit. and 
partake of the food proper for them. I endeavored to labor 
faithfully among them; but sometimes on sitting down, I would 
feel as if all sense of Divine life and strength had left me ; and 
then, for a short time, would fear that I had not been minister- 



264 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. I 1841. 

ing in the power and authority of Truth. This humbled and 
kept me poor in spirit, seeking to the Lord in and out of meet- 
ings ; and at times having no qualification to enter into much 
conversation. But I felt no condemnation ; and the tendering, 
contriting peace of God, which surpasses the understanding of 
the unregenerate man, would flow into my heart, and enable 
me to trust in Him, and lean upon Christ, the great High 
Priest of our profession, who is touched with a feeling of our 
infirmities. 

16th. Much rain having fallen during the night, and continu- 
ing, the travelling was disagreeable; but, notwithstanding the 
unfavorable state of the weather, notice having been spread of 
our intention to be at Piney Woods, at the usual week-day meet- 
ing, a large company convened. I felt, as common for me, ex- 
ceedingly empty, and my faith perhaps never lower at such a 
time ; but after a time of waiting, the testimony of the holy 
apostle, was revived : " Without faith, it is impossible to please 
Grod." We must not only believe that He is, but that He is a 
rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. Though I was so 
stripped, I believed it was my duty to rise with this testimony ; 
and as I kept patient and steady, one thing was opened after 
another, until the stream became like a river for a man to swim 
in ; the people were solemnized, and the name of the Lord ex- 
alted; and I went to D. W.'s with a peaceful mind. This fin- 
ished the visit to the meetings of North Carolina; and that 
night I slept soundly till near the time to rise for an early de- 
parture into Virginia. 

We were joined by our friend J. IS"., at whose house we had 
staid three nights ; and through a storm of rain and snow, we 
rode thirty-eight miles, to our friend J. H.'s, at Somerton, and 
had notice spread for a meeting there next day. 

We had a meeting at Somerton, with Friends, and a few not 
professing with us, to some satisfaction. Next morning, being 
first-day, we rode over to Western Branch, and there met a 
little company; parts of two or three families of Friends; 
amongst whom there was some ability received, to show the 
unwillingness of man, in his first nature, to submit to the re- 
straints of the power of religion ; and the consequence which 
must result to him in refusing to come under the yoke and cross 
of Christ. Some were fervently and affectionately pleaded with, 
to lay these things to heart, and to give up to the convictions 



1841.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 265 

of the Spirit of Christ, while the day of mercy was extended to 
them. We dined with some Friends, and had a farther oppor- 
tunity of laying before them the duty of restraining the chil- 
dren ; and also the danger of being carried away with the fas- 
cination of vain and fashionable society; that the Lord will 
bring all to judgment ; and what will all our creaturely indul- 
gences do for us, in that awful day ? 

Eode back to ~N. J.'s, and on second-day, the 20th, had a meet- 
ing at their meeting-house ; wherein I had close labor with the 
negligent members, who are often absent from their meetings, 
and live in much indifference respecting their religious duties. 
It was a season of earnest labor with members and others, 
to draw them into a right sense of the obligations they are un- 
der, and the great importance of working out their soul's salva- 
tion, while the Lord is striving with them, by the convictions 
of his Holy Spirit. 

A Friend, of Black Creek, met us here, and conducted us to 
his house. His father came into the Society, and, from the ac- 
count we had, was a diligent attender of meetings, and careful 
to take his children with him. The benefit of his faithfulness, 
is seen in his children; who appear to be exemplary Friends; 
upon whom the support of the meeting much devolves. It was 
peculiarly encouraging to find some who had joined Friends, 
and manifested their love to the Society, by supporting a plain, 
consistent appearance ; where degeneracy has greatly crept in; 
and many who profess with us have so gone into the world, that 
the meetings, in places, .are dropped, and others nearly gone 
down. 

21st. A pretty large company, besides Friends, assembled 
with us to-day ; many of whom appeared to me to be persons of 
inquiring minds. The Master condescended to furnish ability to 
preach the gospel ; showing that it is a dispensation of the 
spirit, life and power ; to bring man out of his lost and sinful 
condition, and restore him into that in which Adam stood before 
he fell. Christ said of his sheep, "I am come that they might 
have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He 
also promised the gift of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, 
who was with them and should be in them. And the Apostle 
declared, " I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the 
power of G-od unto salvation, to every one that believeth ; to the 
Jew first, and also to the Greek." It is not a dispensation of 



266 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

outward ceremonies, as the Jewish, which may be performed in 
the will and wisdom of man. Ye are not come unto the Mount 
that might be touched, &c, "But ye are come unto Mount Zion, 
and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, 
and to an innumerable company of angels, and to the general 
assembly and church of the first born, which are written in hea- 
ven; and to God the judge of all, and to Jesus the Mediator of 
the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh 
better things than that of Abel." The blood of Abel cried from 
the ground for vengeance ; but Christ said of his enemies : 
" Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Those 
who are truly brought under the gospel dispensation, are brought 
up into the image of Christ, clothed with his spirit ; and they 
die to the spirit of revenge, and to the inordinate indulgence of 
all their carnal appetites and propensities. They breathe, in 
their conduct and in their spirit, " Glory to God in the highest, 
on earth peace and good will to men." Many passages of the 
Holy Scriptures were brought to my remembrance, setting forth 
the blessed, heavenly nature of the religion of which our holy 
Redeemer is the Author and Finisher ; and confirming the doc- 
trines of our Society; that it is a dispensation of the Spirit, the 
life and power of the dear Son of God, for the perfect restora- 
tion of fallen man to the heavenly image, and unto favor and 
acceptance with his gracious and most merciful Creator. I be- 
lieve the hearts of many were touched by the solemnizing power 
of our holy Head and Helper, and responded to the truth of the 
doctrine delivered. The meeting closed with acknowledgments 
of our nothingness and unworthiness ; and humble supplication 
that the truths of the gospel might be fastened by Him, who 
only can give the increase, as a nail in a sure place ; and that 
his protecting power might be round about us, to preserve us 
from the snares and temptations of our unwearied enemy. The 
people shook hands with me very respectfully ; among them 
were some zealous Baptists. 

In the afternoon we went to Black Water. The distance be- 
ing twenty miles, it admitted of but very short time for notice 
of a meeting with them next day. But this, like all other meet- 
ings in Virginia, has become much reduced ; three or four fam- 
ilies only, being left of what was once a pretty large meeting. 
We met with the little company and a few descendants of 
Friends. I was led to speak to some respecting the feeling 






1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 2G7 

which they were brought under, in the midst of their efforts 
to obtain happiness from worldly enjoyments. That there is 
at times a longing desire in the soul after substantial food which 
none of those earthly delights can satisfy. However they may 
be pursued with avidity, they all fail ; leaving the soul empty 
and destitute ; often followed by the convictions of Divine Grace, 
that the work of salvation is neglected, and these delights are 
leading their votary in the broad way which must terminate in 
destruction. Some of this description were earnestly labored 
with, to arouse them to a sense of their danger, and the neces- 
sity of giving heed to the warning voice of the, Lord's Holy 
Spirit while the day of mercy lasts. There were a few exem- 
plary young Friends present, to whom the language of encour- 
agement was extended, to dedicate themselves to the cause of 
Christ ; and taking his yoke upon them, openly confess Him 
before men. It was a comfort to meet with such, where 
the Society has become almost extinct. We got into our car- 
riage, and rode on our way twenty miles towards Gravelly Bun, 
eating our dinner as we rode. Finding no tavern, we went to 
a store, hoping that the person who kept it gave entertainment 
to travellers for pay. On inquiry of him, he said, that he did 
not keep a house of entertainment ; but as it was cold, and nearly 
night, he insisted upon our alighting ; and said he would take 
the best care of us and of our horses that he could. Though 
it was not pleasant to cast ourselves on the hospitality of a 
stranger, not of our own religious profession, yet the lateness 
of the evening and the frankness of the man, induced us to stop 
with him. After supper, we fell into conversation on water 
baptism, and a hireling ministry; in which the young man 
united very much with our views, and condemned the sentiment 
that water baptism is essential to salvation, and that none are 
saved without it. He mentioned that he had heard a Quaker 
lady, as he called her, preach at Fredericksburg, last spring ; and 
said it was the best sermon he ever heard preached. From his 
account, we judged it to have been our friend Elizabeth Eobson, 
w T ho had a meeting there about that time. This shows there are 
often useful impressions made by a sound gospel ministry, of 
which we have no knowledge, and when we may not suspect it. 
We got upon the subject of slavery ; in which also he appeared 
to agree with us in sentiment ; though, he said, there was no 
disposition among the slaveholders to abandon it. He informed 



268 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1841. 

us of a very respectable neighbor, Daniel Grant, sometimes 
called Dr. Grant, from his kind attentions and prescriptions for 
the sick, who never owned nor hired a slave. He has raised 
thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, all of whom are 
married but one ; and provided for them by his own labor, and 
their aid, as they became old enough to work. Our host stated 
that one evening at his store, where a number of the neighbors 
met to obtain their papers by the mail, the character of a can- 
didate for President of the United States was discussed, and 
some alleged that he was an abolitionist. Dr. Grant in reply 
remarked, that slavery was a sin. They cried out that he was an 
abolitionist. The doctor appealed to several of them whether 
they had not heard their own fathers say that it is a sin; 
which they admitted they had. Well, added the doctor, if be- 
lieving slavery to be a sin, makes me an abolitionist, I must be 
an abolitionist. Though heretofore held in universal esteem by 
his neighbors and acquaintance, this honest avowal of his opin- 
ion alienated a number of them ; but without altering his opinion 
or practice. His sons follow the example of their venerable 
father, who is now about seventy-five years old, neither owning 
nor hiring slaves ; and on one occasion drew upon them the re- 
sentment of their associates, for uttering their sentiments relat- 
ing to the horrid system of slavery. Such upright independence, 
in the midst of inveterate slaveholders, is worthy of record, and 
is highly creditable to the man, who has the moral courage to 
differ from his neighbors on a subject of such exciting charac- 
ter; and is an example well worthy of being followed and held 
up to public estimation. The doctor is regarded as a prac- 
tical christian, and his religious tenets as consistent with the 
spiritual nature of the gospel. 

Our hospitable Virginian entertained us very comfortably, 
and we hoped our tarriance might prove mutually advantage- 
ous ; on parting the invitation was given to repeat our calls 
whenever we travelled that road. 

23d. We resumed our carriage, and after travelling twenty- 
five miles through almost continued rain, we got to J. B.'s, at 
Gravelly Eun. The dark and rainy weather made the shelter 
of his commodious and well-secured house, and our friendly re- 
ception, doubly welcome. As there are but one member, and 
part of another family, besides his own, who constitute the 
meeting here, we had them invited to his house that evening ; 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 269 

but the storm preventiDg them from coming, we sat down 
with his household and a neighbor, and held a satisfactory 
meeting; which, I believe, was encouraging and strengthen- 
ing, at least to a part of the little company. On our way to 
Petersburg, next morning, we called upon the family above al- 
luded to, and had a religious opportunity with them ; and then 
proceeded through Petersburg to Eichmond. My thoughts on 
the road were much occupied with home ; and reflecting on the 
great uncertainty of time, I was engrossed with the idea that 
I might not find all my dear family living ; which depressed me 
much ; in connection with the reduced condition of our Society 
in these parts. Such reflections introduce the mind into a low 
state ; in which the consciousness of the short and uncertain 
duration of temporal enjoyments, brings the end of all things 
so near at hand, that there appears to be but little space be- 
tween us and death; and scarcely anything worth living for, but 
to prepare for that awful event. The force of these views went 
off in part before we reached Richmond ; and I thought, per- 
haps, they were preparatory to the finishing of this little em- 
bassy ; that I should retire from the field under a proper sense 
of my own weakness and nothingness, and entire dependence 
upon the gracious Giver of every good and perfect gift, for all 
that was entrusted to me, both spiritual and temporal. 

It was my intention to have gone to Wain Oak, in Charles 
City County ; but on being informed of the very reduced num- 
ber of members, and that it was probable if I went there, with- 
out notice being first seut, I should find no one at their first-day 
meeting; on deliberately feeling after the matter, I was easy to 
omit going ; and concluded to request a meeting next day with 
Friends, and such as usually meet with them, in Richmond. 

A little company met on seventh-day, the 25th, and to my 
admiration, I was renewedly qualified, and furnished with 
matter to minister to their states. Man was created to be the 
servant of God ; to love and serve his Almighty Creator ; and 
under whatever circumstance he maybe placed, it is practicable 
to answer the design of Him who made him, by obeying the 
dictates of his Holy Spirit. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy 
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
mind, and with all thy strength ;" and "Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself." There were some present, who I appre- 
hended, had widely departed from the Divine law, and from 



270 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1841. 



loving and serving G-od ; and ability was furnished to plead with 
these to turn at his reproofs, that they may be raised into the 
dignity and nobility which man was designed for ; being created 
a little lower than the angels, and crowned with glory and honor. 
Others, who had in measure seen the beauty of the Truth, 
were called upon to come forth and confess Christ, in the midst 
of a crooked and perverse generation. 

The few Friends in this city are much exposed to an influence 
very unfavorable to the growth of vital religion. To be enabled 
to labor faithfully for their help, was a little evidence that Di- 
vine goodness was still watching over them, and I left the city 
with a peaceful and thankful heart. Having about twenty-one 
miles to ride, we hastened away, taking something with us to 
eat on the road, and by diligent travelling, we got to our friend 
ET. C.'s before dark : who, with his family, received and enter- 
tained us with their wonted kindness and hospitality. 

On first-day, we attended Cedar Creek Meeting ; a consider- 
able part of the company not appearing to be members. The 
subject brought before me, was the fruit of the Christian re- 
ligion, where it was really prevailing, as contained in the com- 
mand of the Saviour. "A new command I give unto you, that 
ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one 
another." In this love, Christ left the bosom of the Father ; 
came, not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give 
his life a ransom for many. He came not as a great, earthly 
prince, but in the form of a servant ; and made Himself of no 
reputation. His spirit and his religion divest man of selfish- 
ness ; lead him to feel for the sufferings of his fellow creatures ; 
and to regard every man as his brother ; to feed the hungry, 
clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prisons ; agreeable 
to Christ's declaration when speaking of the different rewards 
of those who do so, and those who do not. The states of some 
who were bringing forth the fruits of darkness, and seeking 
their selfish gratifications, whatever may be the sufferings they 
bring upon others, were closely spoken to, and they labored 
with, to persuade them to yield to the heavenly convictions of 
the grace of God in their hearts. 

After dinner we walked over to L. C.'s, to visit his aged mother ; 
where I had an opportunity with several of the members, to 
urge them to increased zeal and faithfulness in keeping up their 



1841.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 271 

religious meetings. But the state of this meeting looks dis- 
couraging. 

A considerable freshet in the streams, made it necessary to 
ride several miles to cross a bridge over the South Anna Elver, 
to get into the neighborhood of Caroline Meeting ; which we 
reached on second-day afternoon, the 27th; and the following 
morning had a meeting with the few members and others ; in 
which the importance of rightly occupying the time and talents 
committed to our trust, was enforced upon some; and prayer 
was offered for the continued aid and protection of our Heavenly 
Father ; that we might be preserved in humility, and delivered 
from the snares and temptations by which a cruel enemy would 
seek to lay waste and destroy, even those who had made a good 
confession before men, of the blessed Truth. We returned to 
our lodgings, and in the evening had a little religious commu- 
nication to our hostess, her son and her sister ; referring to the 
love and kindness which our Lord showed to Martha and Mary, 
and their brother Lazarus ; and which I believed He would still 
manifest to others, who sought unto Him, and sincerely loved 
Him ; encouraging them to attend their meeting, and to seek 
retirement before the Lord at home, that their spiritual strength 
might be renewed. 

29th. Took an affectionate leave of our friends, and rode to 
Fredericksburg ; where we found the nephew of my companion, 
waiting to take charge of the carriage and horses ; which we 
put on board the steamboat the following morning, and reached 
Washington in the evening. 

31st. Eose early, and taking the car at six o'clock, we got to 
Baltimore a few minutes after eight ; breakfasted, and again 
entered the cars for Philadelphia, which we reached about four 
o'clock ; and were gladly received by our beloved families and 
friends ; having been absent exactly fifteen weeks, and travelled 
about twenty-two hundred and forty miles. Home was exceed- 
ingly grateful, and my mind being favored with calm and peace- 
ful feelings, it seemed as if the time since I left it had been 
but a few days. For all the mercies of our gracious Caretaker, 
in preserving us from sickness and serious casualty ; and, from 
season to season, granting renewed ability for the work where- 
unto He had appointed us, may my soul be kept in deep pros- 
tration before Him; and in humility and fear ; relying on his 
Holy Spirit to put forth afresh, when He shall see meet, and 



272 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1842. 



while He shuts, not daring to open ; ascribing unto Him, the 
Lord God, and to the Lamb, all glory and honor, salvation and 
strength, which is alone due to his everlastingly worthy, holy 
name. 

1842. After returning from North Carolina, I was much at 
home, and passed through dispensations of poverty of spirit ; 
in which my faith at times was put to a close test. There were 
also trials arising out of the state of our religious Society, and 
the disposition of some to indulge in a party and censorious 
spirit. But under all these afflictions there is a secret support, 
and in the Lord's time, way is made to show ourselves on his 
side; and that He can grant deliverance from bonds and im- 
prisonment, and furnish qualification to testify of his mercy and 
goodness. 

In the Second month, I attended Concord Quarterly Meeting, 
in which I was livingly qualified to preach the gospel; and my 
dear wife followed in reverent, fervent supplication. The way 
also opened, in the Meeting for Discipline, for further service, to 
the encouragement of Friends in the support of our Christian 
testimonies. 

At our Meeting for Sufferings in the Third month, a commit- 
tee was appointed to prepare an epistle to the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings in London ; and it being believed, that it would be 
proper to call the attention of the latter to the practice of allow- 
ing their members to write, print and publish works on our 
religious principles, without proper examination by an author- 
ized body, the matter was discussed in the committee, and a few 
Friends appointed to draft an essay. The introduction of works 
into this country, containing sentiments not in accordance with 
the doctrines which the Society has held and promulgated from 
the beginning, was mentioned. The epistle being prepared, was 
very fully approved, both in the Meeting for Sufferings and in 
the Yearly Meeting. 

Samuel Bettle and myself having been appointed by our Quar- 
terly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, to attend the Select Pre- 
parative Meeting of Muncy, we took the railroad cars on 
second-day, the 18th of the Seventh month, and that evening 
reached Danville, one hundred and twenty-six miles from Phil- 
adelphia. The weather was very warm, and riding in a crowded 
stage, part of the distance from Pottsville, over the mountains, 
was very oppressive. Here we were met on third-day morn- 



[1842. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 273 

ing, by Andrew Eves, Jr., who took us to his father's ; and in 
the afternoon we sat with the Friends; and next day attended 
their Monthly Meeting. The neglect to send representatives, 
and sometimes to forward the reports in time, were the occasion 
of our appointment ; on which points, we endeavored to stir up 
and encourage Friends to greater care and faithfulness. Both 
of us were engaged on fourth-day, in the ministry, and also in 
advising Friends on some matters which were brought into 
view. There is a painful state of indolence in some ; but we 
were encouraged by the hope, that among the young Friends, 
there is an increasing attachment to the Society and its testi- 
monies ; and that some of them are preparing for usefulness in 
the church. We had a religious opportunity at the house of 
David Masters, with part of his family, and other Friends pre- 
sent ; and leaving there on fifth-day, lodged at Danville, and 
arrived at our homes, sixth-day evening, satisfied with this little 
act of dedication. 

Eighth month 10th. I went to "Woodbury, and attended 
Salem Quarterly Meeting held there. After the Select Meeting, 
dined and took tea at Joseph Whitall's, who was in a frail, dis- 
eased state. Yery few have passed through more trials than 
he has ; in which he has been an excellent example ; as well as 
in his undeviating faithfulness to the doctrines and testimonies 
of Friends. When it shall please the Head of the church to re- 
move him from a militant to a triumphant state, the Quarterly 
and Monthly Meeting, of which he is a valuable member, will 
greatly miss him, as a father and counseller among them. 

I felt very poor and unfit for anything in the meeting on fifth- 
day ; but the power of Truth finally seemed to prevail, and I 
hope some were aroused to a fresh sense of the necessity of 
working out their salvation, with fear and trembling ; and that 
the desponding, mournful ones, who have many burdens to bear, 
were a little encouraged and revived. 

Mnth month 16th. Was held our Meeting for Sufferings ; in 
which the subject of slavery, and the disabilities under which the 
colored people are placed, occupied much of the time of the 
meeting, particularly as regards the State of Delaware. 



274 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1842. 



CHAPTEE XI Y. 

Second Keligious Visit within the Limits of Ohio Yearly Meeting, 
1842—1843. 

On the 10th of Eleventh month, 1842, I left my comfortable 
home, and tenderly beloved wife and children, and took passage 
in the public line of cars and stages for Wheeling ; for the pur- 
pose of paj'ing a religious visit to the meetings composing Ohio 
Yearly Meeting; for which, I obtained a certificate of the unity 
of the Monthly Meeting, and an indorsement of the Quarterly 
Meeting. The general expression of approbation and desire for 
my encouragement was strengthening, and raised the hope that 
the proposed movement was right. I had been much shut up, 
for several weeks, and stripped of all ability to engage in any 
good word or work ; under which dispensation, I endeavored 
to abide with patience ; though at times assailed with fears, 
whether I was not mistaken in my prospect; yet at times light 
would shine on those distant meetings. The difficulty of leaving 
my temporal concerns, on which my living chiefly depended, in 
the hands of apprentice boys ; and the solitary situation of my 
family, all, at times, came over me with force; inducing the en- 
quiry, whether it was my duty, as a parent and provider, to 
leave them in this way. But I believed it right to commit them 
to the tender care and protection of our Heavenly Father, and 
endeavor in fear and lowliness of mind, to do his will. 

We reached Baltimore in the afternoon ; lodged there, and 
took the cars next morning for Cumberland, one hundred and 
seventy-eight miles by railroad, from Baltimore ; and at about 
eight o'clock in the evening, got into the stage for Brownsville; 
rode all night through the Allegheny Mountains, in snow and 
rain, and drove into Brownsville about twelve o'clock next day. 

Wc had for our fellow passengers in the stage, five or six low, 
profane slaveholders; whose depraved spirits, and vulgar lan- 
guage, were very unpleasant and annoying. But taking no no- 
tice of them, they discovered we were not like themselves, and 
finally, they ceased talking. After breakfast, some remarks 
Were made on the subject of farming, which led to the effects 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 275 

of slavery upon the state of the country in the Southern States ; 
and the irrationality of a man keeping forty or fifty slaves, 
while he could make little more than a bare living with them ; 
which, with proper industry, he could do, without them. It 
»vas taking on him the care of persons who could take care of 
themselves, and without whom he could make out to live as 
ivell. " Ah but," said one of the company, "there are the young 
niggers ; he can sell one of them once in awhile and live on 
that." I answered, I should not like to subsist on human flesh. 
This roused them up, to defend their dark and unrighteous sys- 
tem ; in doing which, they could offer little, except that the 
free blacks, and many whites, were not as well provided for as 
the slaves ; which in some cases might be true, but was not so 
to any great extent. Moreover, the latter have their liberty, 
and are able to exercise their right to labor where they please ; 
and even those who have to labor hard, very often live upon the 
best food, though at the expense of frugality and economy. 

At Brownsville, a Friend offered to take us out to Sewickly 
Meeting ; and leaving our baggage, we rode to our aged friend's, 
Samuel Cope, at Providence, eight miles, and were heartily re- 
ceived. The road being wet and hilly, we rose early and were 
about five hours riding to Sewickly, sixteen miles ; where we 
attended their first-day meeting. Some ability was granted to 
labor for arousing the careless, and negligent, and the trans- 
gressor; and the language of encouragement was offered to the 
sincere-hearted, and to the young people, to come under the 
yoke of Christ. We dined at G-. G-.'s, who appears to be a well- 
concerned Friend ; and lodged at his brother B. G.'s. In the morn- 
ing, I had a tendering communication to his aged and weakly 
mother and her sister; in which they were recommended to the 
mercy of our Heavenly Father, extended to poor, sinful man, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ ; and exhorted to labor to draw 
near to the footstool of Divine Grace, that they may be pre- 
pared to partake of his pardoning mercy, and in the awful close 
experience acceptance through Him. We were all affected 
together to tears, under a renewed feeling of the Lord's good- 
ness and compassion. 

Set off in a shower of rain, and got to D. C.'s ; dined, and 
went to a meeting appointed at two o'clock, at Providence ; in 
which, after inward, solid waiting, the power of Christ spread 
over us ; and the humble-hearted, visited children, were encour- 



276 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1842. 

aged to increased devotedness to the Lord and his cause ; and I 
trust the burden- bearers were comforted. Samuel Cope asked 
me, in the evening, whether I did right in limiting the invita- 
tion to Friends, and those who usually attended their meetings ; 
but it appeared to me that my concern was principally to 
strengthen, as ability may be granted, our own flock, and to 
turn transgressors among us, to the saving power of Divine 
Grace. In the evening, Samuel Cope's sons and their wives 
being present, I had an opportunity with them ; and labored to 
impress them with the responsibility of their station as parents, 
and the importance of rightly exampling their children, and re- 
straining them from wrong things ; so that, as far as in our 
power, we may be instrumental in preparing the ground of the 
heart, for the seed of the kingdom ; when the good Husbandman 
shall see proper to sow it there. It was a heart-tendering time, 
and the aged Friends seemed comforted. 

15th. Third- day morning. Had an appointed meeting at 
Centre ; in which the Master furnished matter, adapted to the 
different states. I was low and weak ; but keeping down to the 
Seed of life, I was enabled to minister, so as to reach the wit- 
ness in some, and experience peace in my own bosom. The 
state of one, to whom I was a stranger, a Friend said afterwards, 
was particularly described. This was a little encouraging; 
having many fears lest I should be deserted of my gracious 
Master. We dined with the sister of D. M., a widow, and rode 
home with him, and were kindly received by his wife. 

16th. Attended their usual meeting at Brownsville, which was 
not so animating and comforting as some others. A want of 
faithfulness seemed to have brought weakness over some ; and 
when plain things arose to deliver, the separatists being in 
meeting, on the other side of the partition, made it embarrassing 
to communicate ; and I labored along rather heavily. But the 
doctrines of the gospel, and the use and authority of the Holy 
Scriptures, w T ere plainly held up and enforced. 

In going from house to house, there is a difference in our feel- 
ings. In some a sense of oppression is felt, in which we cannot 
breathe as in a pure atmosphere. This is a source of exercise, 
and we have need to keep inward to the Master ; that if any- 
thing is given to hand to them, it may be done faithfully, and 
yet in the spirit of love, and sincere desire for their help. In 
other families ; particularly those of young, tender-spirited 



1842 ] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 277 

Friends, who love the Truth, and desire to be faithful to their 
Lord and Master, the spirits of the true travellers for the pros- 
perity of Zion, are more at liberty; and it is a strength to be 
in the company of this description. 

We took stage in the afternoon and rode to Wheeling ; where 
we arrived about three o'clock in the morning. One of the pas- 
sengers seemed disposed to talk on political subjects, and I re- 
marked to him that I thought the Government better employed 
in making such roads as we were riding over, and in other im- 
provements, for the benefit of the county, than in building forts 
and vessels of war. He then argued in favor of self-defence ; 
said he would defend himself and family if assailed by a person 
who would destroy life, if he was not killed. I told him I could 
not tell what I would do in such an emergency ; but I believed 
it would be wrong to take the life of a fellow creature under 
any circumstance ; that it would be best to put our trust in 
Divine Providence, and relying on Him, suffer death rather than 
destroy the life of a human being. But I believed his care was 
remarkably extended to those who confided in Him. That this 
was exemplified in the civil wars in Ireland; where Friends 
were exposed to the violence of the banditti, like others; but of 
whom none were destroyed except two, who took up guns to 
defend themselves. And while William Penn and his friends 
held the government of Pennsylvania, there was no war with 
the natives ; but in other colonies, there was much destruction 
on both sides. 1 also remarked, that when the children of Is- 
rael served the Lord, they were preserved in peace ; but when 
they worshipped idols, the defence was withdrawn, and their 
enemies, who had been in peace with them, came in and re- 
duced them to servitude. More of this confidence in providen- 
tial protection was needed in this country ; but by placing our 
dependence in our institutions, and the right of suffrage, we may 
be disappointed ; as we had been already. He united in part 
with my sentiments, but advocated self-defence. 

We retired, being fatigued, and found ourselves refreshed by 
a few hours' rest. The profanity of persons in and about the 
hotel, made it feel to me a dark and wicked place to be in. It 
seemed as if many were utterly reckless of religion, morality 
and character ; and were given up to their depraved passions 
and propensities. To be thrown in such society is very distress- 
19 



278 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1842. 

ing. The next morning, the 18th, we went on to Mt. Pleasant 
Boarding School. 

18th. I attended the Select Quarterly Meeting ; my mind 
being encompassed with fears in relation to myself, and the 
journey before me. Towards the close of the meeting, under an 
apprehension that the defection of some which had occasioned 
the acknowledgment of a want of unity in one branch, required 
the exercise of faith and patience, and a willingness to endure 
suffering, I thought it right to revive the exhortation of our 
Lord to His disciples, " In your patience possess ye your souls," 
and to express the belief that patience was a necessary lesson 
to learn ; that it was not only a means of our preservation, but 
through suffering, victory and dominion over wrong spirits was 
often obtained. Dear William Wood, in his eighty-fifth year, 
said he thought he had never been more tempted to take flight 
in the winter season, than he had been for some months past. 

19th. Seventh-day. Went to Short Creek Quarterly Meeting. 
Two Friends spoke in the ministry ; which I was ready to con- 
clude might be all that was required in that meeting ; but when 
near time to close the partitions, I was afraid to leave the meet- 
ing without reviving the expressions of our Lord, " The life is 
more than meat, and the body than raiment." In a spiritual 
sense, it is of little moment what food the Shepherd and Bishop 
of souls appoints to nourish and sustain the spiritual life. He 
knows what is best for us ; and though He may appoint strip- 
ping and poverty, and deep suffering for his children, it is our 
duty and interest to submit with cheerfulness ; and in this con- 
dition, wait upon Him until he sees fit to change the dispensa- 
tion. The fruit-bearing branches are to be purged, that they 
may bring forth more fruit to the praise of the Great Husband- 
man. Our dependence is to be individually on the Head of the 
Church ; every one in his place and allotment in the body wait- 
ing upon Him and not on man, and faithfully acting as He puts 
forth. This will not destroy the honor and esteem due to those 
of greater experience ; but all being baptized by the same Spirit 
into one body, they being banded together in the unity and 
fellowship of the gospel, will render to each other the love and 
respect that is due; and thus would be like the church coming out 
of the wilderness, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible 
as an army with banners. 

On first-day I was at the meeting in the large house ; a small 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 279 

company, amongst whom I was engaged to labor in the love 
of the gospel ; especially with some who had chosen their own 
way ; in order to show them that it is not in man that walketh 
to direct his own steps ; and the difficulties and perplexities in 
which such involve themselves, often not being permitted to 
acquire what they are grasping after ; or when they do, they 
cannot draw that comfort and happiness which they have 
anticipated from their worldly schemes and pursuits. But a 
good man's steps are ordered of the Lord, and he has not only 
the reward of true peace, but has the true enjoyment of the 
outward gifts of a beneficent Providence. The dignity of the 
true Christian was brought into view, as a member of the 
mystical body of Christ ; described by John, the beloved dis- 
ciple, as a woman clothed with the sun ; having the moon 
under her feet; all terrestrial, changeable objects in subjection 
to Christ, the Sun of righteousness. After sitting down, the 
pointing to vocal prayer came over me ; and in fear I ventured 
to bow the knee before the Most High ; and to ask of Him, 
who knows our infirmities, to grant preservation to the end 
of our days ; and in his merc}^ to touch with the finger of his 
love, the hearts of some who had wandered from the path of 
rectitude. A Friend, who accompanied me to the meeting, 
remarked, as we walked away, that William Penn told J. Eich- 
ardson he thought he might now be cheerful ; but I replied, it 
is best to keep low and on our guard ; for I was afraid of any- 
thing like getting from under the reduced condition I was in. 

A Friend kindly offering to take me to Smithfield, we set off 
in the afternoon, and next day attended the Monthly Meeting, 
Here I was painfully affected with the feeling that some who had 
known something of the visitations of Grace, had not kept their 
first love ; to whom I was led to apply the text given by our 
Lord, "Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither 
cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved ; but he 
that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made 
manifest that they are wrought in God." I believe there was 
ability to reach the states of some, and to hold up to others the 
importance of standing upright in maintaining the testimonies 
of the gospel : that a plumb, upright pillar, though small, would 
bear much weight ; but if it leaned either way, it was likely to 
fall and bring down what rested upon it. We dined with our 
aged friend Wm. Wood, who was kept from meeting by indis- 



280 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1842. 



position ; afterwards called on a few Friends, and in one family, 
had a tendering communication on the necessity of being re- 
deemed from the world, and showing our gratitude for the out- 
ward blessings conferred upon us, by dedication to our Heav- 
enly Father ; and thus become qualified to example and train the 
children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Third-day 
morning rode back to Short Creek, and was at their Monthly 
Meeting ; in w T hich I was silent. 

My friend N. H., having agreed to take me in his carriage 
to some meetings, we rode to R. C.'s and lodged. Next morning 
attended Plainfield Monthly Meeting ; a small company of 
Friends; some of whom, I feared, had been more concerned to 
lay up treasure on earth, than for the right maintenance of the 
cause of Truth. Many who settled in this country when land 
was low in price, have through industry, and the advance in the 
value of it, become comparatively rich ; and, it is to be feared, 
have not increased in heavenly treasure. 

24th. Attending Flushing Monthly Meeting, a pretty large 
company of Friends, I was exceedingly stripped, and the fear 
of being left to myself, with which I have been unusually tried 
on this journey, came over me ; but I determined to strive to 
draw near to the Master, and to do nothing without his bidding ; 
and after a time, the direction of the prophet, to bring empty 
vessels not a few, was presented, with an intimation to rise with 
it. By keeping low, to the gentle openings of Divine life, I was 
enabled to preach the gospel ; and the power of Truth rose and 
spread over the meeting. The humble traveller was encour- 
aged not to be alarmed with seasons of poverty and emptiness, 
when the Master withheld the manifestation of his presence, 
and there seemed not the least capacity to attain to any good ; 
but patiently abiding here. He will reward these sooner or later, 
with the smiles of his approbation, and renew their spiritual 
strength. I was humbly thankful for the evidence which He 
condescended to give, that He had not forsaken me; and de- 
sired to be more given up to endure whatever He sees proper 
for my good. I know that I cannot bear much favor, but often 
need stripping ; and if I am but kept in the life, and from utter- 
ing words without the power, so that the living may savor it, 
and the negligent be quickened, it is enough, with his approba- 
bation. 

The ground was now covered with snow, the weather cold, 



[1842. 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 281 



and having nine or ten miles to ride after the meeting, we did 
not get off till near four o'clock, nor reach Smyrna until some 
time after dark. The country is very hilly, and we had some 
roads to pass over which were dangerous in the dark; being cut 
out of the sides of steep and deep precipices ; where a little de- 
viation from the track might plunge us into great ravines. But 
by slow, careful driving, we got on safely, and were glad to 
shelter ourselves under a Friend's roof, where hospitality was 
freely bestowed. 

25th. To-day we had two appointed meetings ; the first near 
Freeport ; in which more Scripture passages were brought to 
remembrance than is common in my ministry. I thought it 
might be for the instruction of some, and for the reproof of 
others, who were active in outward, religious performances, 
while their hearts and their conduct, at other times, were incon- 
sistent with the Gospel. To some of these the doctrine de- 
livered, was close and pointed. Before leaving the house where 
we dined, I had a sympathetic communication to the Friend, 
who appeared to me, to be an exercised woman and under trial. 

We then rode to Guernsey Meeting, appointed at two o'clock, 
which was a large company ; mainly plain people. It was an 
exercising time; the great prevalence of a worldly spirit ob- 
structing the stream of consolation. It seemed as if some had 
made gold their god; which makes hard work; such being much 
out of the reach of instrumental labor. We rode to J. B.'s and 
lodged, and the following morning rose early, and at daybreak, 
set off for Stillwater. At this meeting some ability was received 
to labor among them in the love of the Gospel. 

27th. First-day. Had a little opportunity with the family 
where we staid ; in which the necessity of religious care, in 
exampling the children, and laboring to restrain them from 
wrong things, and to have their wills subjected, while young, 
were brought into view. Eode to Captina Meeting; a little com- 
pany. The exhortation of the Apostle to one of the professing 
churches, " Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith ; 
prove your ownselves ; know ye not your ownselves, how that 
Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates ?" came before me. 
I reminded the company, that it is equally necessary for us at 
this day to do this, as it was for them. If we are in the true 
faith, Jesus Christ is dwelling and reigning in our hearts by his 
Spirit, and we are not in the reprobate state. Two kinds of 



282 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1842. 

faith were brought to view; one of which He is the author, 
in which we have dominion and victory over sin. The other is 
of our own devising, and leaves man in his sins. The people 
were admonished not to rely upon a mere belief in the doctrines 
of religion ; without coming to Christ, and receiving faith from 
Him, that would enable them to overcome temptation and sin. 
The meeting was closed with supplication. In the afternoon, 
went to J. Edgerton's, who was absent on a religious visit, and 
spent a short time with his wife and children, with whom we 
had a religious opportunity. 

29th. Second-day. Attended Somerset Monthly Meeting. The 
injunction of our Lord, "Labor not for the meat which perishes, 
but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life," came 
before me, and the Master gave ability to search into the states 
of some who were in danger of being too much engrossed with a 
worldly spirit ; and to strengthen the faithful in the discharge of 
their various duties; particularly some young and middle-aged 
Friends ; among whom there appeared to be some talented and 
livel}'-spirited individuals. These were encouraged, notwith- 
standing there might not be that dedication in others which they 
desire, and travail for, to keep themselves steadfast, immovable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord ; and I believed their 
labors of love would not be in vain in the Lord; but would be 
blessed to themselves, and at least to some of their children. It 
was a good meeting; the humbling, solemnizing power of Truth 
being over us. While my certificate was before the Monthly 
Meeting, an elderly Friend remarked, that " Though the Friend 
might go mourning on his way, bearing precious seed, yet he be- 
lieved as he was faithful, he would return with joy, bringing his 
sheaves with him." I mention these things, only to speak well of 
the excellent name of the Lord, and to encourage others to put 
their trust in Him ; and to labor to keep close to their Master in 
their lowest seasons, as well as when He condescends to reign. 
We rode to Barnesville, and put up with our kind friends Wm. 
and E. Green. After breakfast, a portion of the Holy Scriptures 
was read; a practice which I believe, when properly observed, 
will be beneficial to parents and children. Though I felt a guard 
against getting into a habit of making religious communications 
on such occasions, without the fresh putting forth of the Master, 
I believed it right to endeavor to encourage the children to yield 
to the counsel and restraints which their beloved parents thought 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 283 

proper to extend to them. They would find it their true interest ; 
and as they were favored with the visitations of Heavenly Love, 
and submitted thereto, it would produce true peace and happi- 
ness. 

This morning, 29th, N". H. returned home, and E. S. of Still- 
water, agreeing to take me to the southern meetings, we rode 
six miles to Eichland, and attended an appointed meeting there. 
This part of the State, and some of the remaining original 
log dwellings, have the appearance of a newly settled country; 
while the new and improved houses show the advance of many 
of the inhabitants in the comforts and means of living. The 
meeting-house was pretty well filled, and I was engaged to call 
the attention of those present, to the privations and hardships 
endured by those who commenced the settlement of the country ; 
the apprehensions they may often have had, as to getting suffi- 
cient food for themselves and their little ones ; the simplicity 
of their views ; the gratitude they felt for the blessing of Divine 
Providence upon their labors; the covenants they were willing 
to make in the days of their beginnings, to serve Him, and the 
desire they then felt to promote the cause of Truth and righte- 
ousness. They were enquired of, how it is with them now? 
when prosperity has attended them, and the means of living 
and various comforts are increasing. Do they suffer these things 
to absorb their thoughts and affections, and alienate them from 
the beneficient Creator? And are their children, who have not 
known these hardships, taking wings and fleeing from the con- 
victions and restraints of Divine Grace into the world and 
self-gratification ? They were reminded of Jacob's setting out in 
the world ; his first night's lodging on the earth with a stone 
for a pillow ; the vision he had of the angels of God ascending 
and descending upon the ladder; so that he said in the morning, 
" Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not: how dread- 
ful is this place ; this is none other but the house of God, and 
this is the gate of heaven." And he made a covenant with the 
Lord, saying, "If God will be with me, and keep me in the way 
that I go, and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on, so 
that I come again to my father's house in peace, then shall the 
Lord be my God." He also set up a stone as a testimony of 
the covenant he made. When he returned, having become two 
bands, notwithstanding the hardships he passed through, he went 
again to Bethel, and renewed his covenant ; previously calling 



284 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1842. 



on his household, to bring to him their jewels and ornaments, 
which he hid under the oak in Shechem. The people were solid, 
and I hoped some good impressions were made. "We rode after 
dinner about nine miles to Senecaville, and put up. In the 
morning we found the ground covered with snow, and the 
weather inclement ; so that the prospect of getting on over this 
hilly country to a Friend's house by the next night, was dis- 
co araging ; but with much industry we got to J. M.'s, at McCon- 
nellsville, on the Muskingum River, a little after dark, thirty- 
three miles. It was pleasant to get under the roof of a Friend. 
We rested comfortably, and the next morning, fifth-day, 
Twelfth month 1st, crossed the river in a horse boat ; and over 
a road mountainous and quite dangerous, when rendered slippery 
by snow and ice, we rode to Hopewell Meeting ; the house being 
well filled. I felt myself introduced into sympathy with some 
who, I apprehended, had secret trials to endure, in this newly 
settled and somewhat wilderness country; and I believed it 
right to hold up to view, that it was a matter of little moment, 
where our habitation is, if we are in our right places, and are 
sincerely endeavoring to know and do our Lord's will. That 
though some may be taken whither they would not ; yet, resign- 
ing themselves to the Lord, and seeking strength of Him to endure 
their trials, his love and compassion will be extended to them ; 
and through faithfulness, they will be made a blessing to their 
families, and prepared for usefulness to others. The spring 
opened slowly, but in the end the power of Truth tendered the 
hearts of not a few ; and prayer was offered for the sincere 
traveller, and those of a sorrowful spirit ; and that the visita- 
tions of heavenly love might be extended to the dear young 
people. Friends manifested affectionate kindness. 

Twelfth month 2d. Sixth-day. Attended Stillwater Quarterly 
Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held once a year at this place. 
The company was small, seven men and six women. Near the 
close, I endeavored to hold up the responsibility of the stations 
we stand in, and of our example to the flock; and the need of 
daily exercise, that we may be kept alive in the Truth ; and 
season, by our spirits, the minds of the dear youth. Returned 
to our lodgings, and passed the afternoon in retirement of 
spirit 

3d. Attended the Quarterly Meeting for Discipline ; wherein, 
though under fear and enrptiness, a renewed qualification was 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 285 

unexpectedly furnished, to preach the gospel of life and sal- 
vation through Jesus Christ our Lord ; showing that in order 
to be made partakers of that salvation which He purchased 
for us, we must be in the daily practice of waiting upon Him 
for the renewal of strength, by the bread of life and the water 
of life, which He gives ; both for our own growth, and to fit 
us for every good work in his cause ; and to perform that wor- 
ship to Almighty God which is in spirit and in truth. The 
rebellious were warned and pleaded with, to turn their backs 
upon the corruptions of the world, and take the yoke of their 
Redeemer upon them. The blessedness of the religion of Christ 
was opened ; being inward in its operation ; every one receiving 
Him in his spiritual appearance in the heart, may become pos- 
sessed of it; and, through perseverance, experience the old man 
with his deeds to be put off, and the new" man put on ; and thus 
be brought under the flaming sword, which separates between 
the precious and the vile, into the paradise of God, and into the 
image which Adam was created in. It was a solid time, and 
the power of Truth went over the meeting. 

The subject of education engaging my mind in the second 
meeting ; I endeavored to press on the fathers the great neces- 
sity for, and the blessings of a good home education ; wherein, 
with love and firmness, a steady restraint is kept over the chil- 
dren, with relation to dress, company, and indulging them in 
other things not suitable for them. With the unity of the men 
and women, I went into the apartment of the latter, and affec- 
tionately enjoined this duty upon the mothers also, who are 
more with the children, and have opportunity of early com- 
mencing the regulation of their will and temper; and, by a 
religious concern and firmness, of bringing them up in the nur- 
ture and admonition of the Lord. 

4th. Rode out to Chesterfield, about seven miles, to their 
first-day meeting, which was very large ; some Friends stopping 
there who were on their way home from the Quarterly Meeting. 
I was here led to speak on the subject that we are notour own, 
but are bought with a price ; and were to glorify God in our 
bodies and spirits which are his; and that we have no right to say 
we will go into such a city or place, and buy, and sell, and get 
gain ; but should say, if the Lord will, we will do thus and so 
Many have lost ground, in a spiritual sense, by becoming unset- 
tled with a speculative spirit ; and without taking counsel of 



286 JOURNAL OF WILLiAM EVANS. [1842. 

the Divine gift in their own breasts, have removed into distant 
parts, with a view of promoting their worldly interests. Those 
who go from their former habitation, like Abraham, by faith, 
under Divine guidance, have good reason to believe that the bless- 
ing of the Lord will go with them ; and if they continue to love 
and serve Him above all, keeping the world under foot, they 
will prosper in the Truth, and with proper industry, will be 
blessed in their outward substance. The effects of a worldly, 
speculative spirit, were opened ; and some who had got involved 
in it, by which they had lost their first Jove, were affectionately 
and pressingly entreated once more to open their hearts to the 
Lord of life and glory, who had long knocked for an entrance, 
and let Him set up his kingdom there, before it be too late. All 
were invited to greater devotion to Him, that they might be 
established in righteousness, and be made more useful in its 
blessed cause. 

Owing to some coming from a distance, the meeting was kept 
an unusual time in an unsettled state ; and though when it ap- 
peared proper to rise, I had little before me, the Master was 
pleased gradually to open one thing after another ; and towards 
the close, a solemn covering was spread over us ; some were 
tendered and the Lord's name was praised. Eode to Plymouth 
in the afternoon and lodged. 

5th. Here we had an appointed meeting at ten o'clock ; the 
people filled the house, yet it was long in settling, and did not 
prove as satisfactory as some others, though the way opened to 
treat on various subjects. The spirit of supplication was grant- 
ed, for the poor and lonely of the flock, and for the preservation 
of the young people from the snares of a cruel devourer. 

6th. Eode back to near Pennsville and lodged. Yesterday's 
labor left me under fresh feeling of my own inability to do 
anything. Without the Master furnishes matter and power for 
the work, all our anxiety and past experience cannot open the 
spring, nor baptize the people. Holding a meeting to-day in 
this place, renewed strong desire to keep near the Shej)herd, 
and to wait his time to see what to do. A large company col- 
lected, composed of various descriptions of people, and the 
prospect was trying. I thought for some time it would be pro- 
per to sit there, an example of silent waiting. But after much 
suffering, from the outward and unsettled state of many, it 
seemed necessary to rise and open the object of our religious 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 287 

meetings ; not to utter words nor to hear words, but to worship 
God in spirit and in truth. The need of stillness of body, as 
well as of mind ; the benefit of self-control ; having our thoughts 
restrained, and maintaining a patient waiting upon the Lord, 
were impressed. Every one being gathered to the gift cf God 
in themselves, there would be a united travail to gain v scen- 
dency over the roving thoughts ; and to experience the solemniz- 
ing presence of the Head of the church, to arise into dominion in 
each one, and over all. The benefit of accustoming children to 
restraint at home, and to sit still in our religious meetings, en- 
forced by the example and authority of parents ; the importance 
of parents discharging thur d ties to the children, and of the 
children submitting to their parents, were affectionately pressed 
upon them. The prodigals were warned of the fearful conse- 
quences of evil company, and pleaded with to come out of it, and 
return to the path of rectitude, that they might escape the in- 
evitable results of disobedience and rebellion. It was a solemn 
time in the end, wherein the humbling power of Truth was felt, 
and I felt clear of the place. 

Crossed the Muskingum river, and rode to a private house of 
entertainment. On fourth-day the 7th, rose before day, and as 
soon as we could see to drive we set out, making slow progress ; 
the road being stiff clay mud, a little frozen ; not travelling- 
more than fifteen miles in six hours. At a small town called 
Cumberland, we dined as speedily as we could, and went on as 
soon as was proper for the horses ; though it proved a very hard 
day's toil to them ; and about eight o'clock in the evening got to 
T. W.'s. Some parts of the road, at all times a little unsafe, 
were rendered quite so, for want of light, and the danger of 
sliding on the side of banks that were slippery. We also crossed 
two bridges in the dark, which our host told us he thought dan- 
gerous in the day time ; and had it not been for an obscure 
moonlight we could not have travelled during the last two hours. 
It was relieving to have a good house to lodge in ; being very 
weary after travelling fourteen hours ; nearly all that time sit- 
ting in the carriage. 

On fifth-day morning, before setting out, we had the family 
collected, with whom I had a serious opportunity. Got to 
Earnesyille about noon, and my kind friend Wm. Green offered 
to take me to Sunbury and Somerton. 

9th. Sixth-day had an appointed meeting at Sunbury. A 



288 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1842. 

laborious time, without getting much relief; a worldly spirit 
being in the way, which is hard to contend with. Lodged at 
D. C.'s, and had a religious opportunity with his family. 

10th At an appointed meeting at Somerton, I was kept long 
in an empty state. Some presentations passed before me, but 
the recollection of the unrelieving result of yesterday's labor, 
induced fear of moving, and giving to others what might be al- 
together designed for instruction to myself. I w T aited to see 
whether the Master would call for any vocal service ; and his 
language to his immediate followers, "Without me ye can do 
nothing," revived ; with an intimation to stand up, which I did, 
and communicated it with fear; adding, ifthej- could do nothing 
without Him, neither could we. I remembered the expression of 
an experienced minister, in relation to the early ministers in our 
Society, that, " As it was once a cross to us to speak, though the 
Lord required it at our hands, let it never be a cross to us to be 
silent when He does not." If we are baptized into the likeness 
of Christ's death, we shall be, also, in the likeness of his resurrec- 
tion ; and those who are baptized into Him, are baptized into 
his death. As we abide here, his time, we shall know Him to 
be unto us the resurrection and the life; when He sees fit to 
arise, we shall also be raised into newness of life. Other mat- 
ter to different states opened, and was delivered under the hum- 
bling hand of the Lord upon me, and reached the states of some. 
It appeared afterwards, that I was introduced into sympathy 
with a young Friend who had been exercised in the ministry. 
Dined with two goodly young people ; to whom a word of en- 
couragement was offered before we left, and then rode to our 
friend J. Edgerton's habitation, where we found that his daugh- 
ter, about seventeen years of age, had just died ; having been 
sick about three weeks. 

We sat down with the afflicted mother and children ; the 
father being on a religious visit in New York Yearly Meeting; 
and mingled our tears with theirs. The resignation which Job 
manifested, was recommended to them, when he said, " The 
Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name 
of the Lord." Eeturned to William Green's, and lodged ; which 
was a pleasant resting-place to me. 

11 th. First-day morning, rose before day, and was then taken 
by W. Green, eighteen miles, to St. Clairsville; and attended 
their meeting. This felt to me to be a dark place ; and after 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 289 

alluding to the sufferings "which the righteous experience from 
the wicked, I was engaged to point out the darkness and pro- 
gress of the spirit of infidelity. There are those, who, sinning 
against the convictions of the Holy Spirit ; and finding the de- 
nunciations of the Scriptures are against them, endeavor to in- 
validate their truth, and then deny them ; but they cannot deny 
the fearful judgments, which God, by his light, shining at times, 
into their dark hearts, brings them to feel will be their portion, 
if they persist in their evil courses; unless, indeed, they become 
so hardened as to deny the existence of a God ; to which dread- 
ful consummation, some appear to be permitted to arrive. It 
was a laborious, distressing time ; and without affording much 
relief. I was afterwards informed that infidelity prevails in this 
town to a great extent. I remained here until the next morn- 
ing, and felt like a prisoner in bonds. 

12th. A Friend kindly took me over to Concord ; word having 
been sent for an appointed meeting there, and at two other 
places. The weather having become cold, the roads which were 
soft the preceding evening, were now hard frozen and very 
rough ; which made riding very unpleasant. Here, I saw the 
benefit of yesterday's trial of faith ; and being low, I waited 
patiently for the Master. After several presentations passed 
by, He brought before me the states of some ; to whom I was 
led to minister in fear. The life of Truth arose, and we were 
watered together. 

13th. Third-day. Some snow fell last night, and the road 
being very rough, a Friend took me in his sleigh to Harrisville ; 
where we held a meeting by appointment. Here the promise 
to the poor and needy, who seek water and find none, was re- 
vived ; and the Lord's poor, who are panting after the living 
God, were encouraged to maintain their labor and travail of 
spirit, for the bread and water of life. Some who were in a 
worldly spirit were closely spoken to. How this worldlimind- 
edness brings poverty on the professors of Christianity, and dis- 
tress upon the living members ! When the head of a family 
devotes himself, almost exclusively, to the love of the world, it 
has a prejudicial influence upon the children. If his companion 
loves the Truth, it discourages her from being faithful ; and thus 
may derange everything pertaining to their spiritual journey. 

14th. This morning I rose with the persuasion it would be 
right for me to return to those places where I had attended the 



290 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. ["1842. 

Monthly Meetings, and hold meetings with the members of the 
Particular Meetings. I felt it when I was about leaving Barnes- 
ville ; but having sent notices to several places, I was obliged to 
come away. In the meeting at St. Clairsville, it came over me 
with fear that I bad been too hasty, in my desire to waste no 
time, and get through as soon as practicable ; and I was brought 
to offer to do whatever the Lord required ; but again hoped it 
might go off. It was a trial to go back, lest I might be mis- 
taken ; but mentioning it to some Friends, 1ST. H. and G. P., they 
encouraged me ; and N. H. very promptly offered to accompany 
me. 

Went to West Grove, where their little meeting-house was 
filled with Friends and others. I was led to bring to view the 
circumstance of the original members of our religious Society, 
being gathered from the various professions, to sit down in 
silence, and wait upon the Lord. They had been strict in the 
different ceremonial performances, and tried the most eminent 
preachers; but failed to find what their longing souls wanted. 
After they were brought to see their own inability, and that of 
others, to supply what they ardently sought, they were drawn 
to wait upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and found Him in their own 
hearts. Thus they were gathered to a teacher that could not 
be taken from them ; who could speak to their condition, and 
give them power over Satan and all his temptations. They re- 
ceived gifts, and were prepared to occupy them to the honor of 
their Lord and Master, and to the furtherance of others in the 
way of salvation. So I was led to preach Christ to the people, 
as their present Saviour ; as well as the one offering for sin, 
without them ; by whom the Father hath forever perfected them 
that are sanctified, by the spirit of judgment and of burning. 
And I was enabled to pray fervently to God that He would 
strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees ; visit 
the rebellious with his Day-spring from on high ; gather the 
children under the yoke of his dear Son, and increase and pre- 
serve a band there, to stand for his blessed name and cause ; 
and glory and honor were ascribed unto the Lord God and the 
Lamb for ever. Amen. 

15th. Fifth-day. Eode to Mt. Pleasant. Attended Short Creek 
Meeting; in which I was led to show, that, according to the 
apostle's doctrine, there is a measure of suffering for each mem- 
ber to fill up for the bod3 r 's sake ; and which, as he is steadfast 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 291 

to his Lord and Master, will contribute to his own preservation 
and advancement in the way of holiness. Bat it is only those 
who continue with their Lord in his temptations, who will wit- 
ness this preservation ; and for them He will spread a table in 
the wilderness, and direct them to sit down to eat; and He will 
come forth and serve them. Not those who turn aside from the 
narrow way ; who are allured by a false light, with which Satan, 
transformed into the likeness of an angel of light, seeks to de- 
ceive and betray those who grow impatient under suffering. It 
was a season of renewed favor, and ability to communicate, in 
a gentle and tender manner, some cautions to those who had 
long made profession of the Truth; and some of whom, had 
been caught with the delusive presentations of the enemy. 

Eode back to N. H.'s; and after dinner, he and I set out for 
Flushing, and were heartily received by Jacob Branson, who 
did not seem surprised that I was turned back to that place. 

16th. Sixth-day. Notice being sent out in the evening, we 
had a large meeting, principally of Friends. I felt empty and 
destitute, and sat there, like a poor, contemptible creature, un- 
able to do or say anything. It lasted so long, that I concluded 
we should separate in silence ; but at length a little opening 
presenting, I embraced it ; and though I endeavored to keep 
under the clothing of Divine love, some close things were deliver- 
ed in relation to the benumbing and deadening influence of a 
worldly spirit; that the wedge of gold destroyed more in the 
christian church, than perhaps anything else. It was a labori- 
ous and exercising meeting, and proved a trial of my faith. In 
the afternoon went to Plainfield. 

Seventh-day. Had an appointed meeting here ; in which my 
dear Lord and Master renewedly furnished ability to dip into 
the states of some ; and to show that as He declared to his dis- 
ciples, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and 
ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that 
your fruit should remain ;" so it was applicable to every regen- 
erated child in his family, in their respective measures and 
places. He chooses them, as they submit to his heart-changing 
power; ordains them for the place He allots to them in his church, 
that they should bring forth fruit to his praise, and their own 
everlasting peace. Many things were opened pertaining to the 
christian warfare ; and our hearts were tendered and bowed to- 



292 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1845 



gether before the Lord, to whom alone belongs the praise of his 
works. Eode up to Still Water in the afternoon. 

Many enter upon active life with small means, and are necessa- 
rily obliged to make their wants few. When a guard is not strictly 
kept, this frugal habit may produce a contracted mind, watching 
at every point to save ; and in this way persons often deprive 
themselves of those means of comfort and mental improvement, 
which they have within their power ; and which they ought to use 
to qualify them more fully for usefulness in the world, and to pre- 
pare the minds of their children to receive right impressions and 
views, so as to fulfil their duties in civil and religious society. For 
want of a proper cultivation and expansion of mind, the no- 
bility of man and the glorious design of the Creator in making 
him a little lower than the angels, may be lost sight of. When 
parents suffer themselves to be enslaved by this kind of life, the 
education of their children is much overlooked ; they sometimes 
grow up like wild plants, and either run out into unsuitable 
company and practices ; or follow the example of the parents in 
grovelling in the earth. Thus even if the form of religion is 
kept, the life and power are lost, and degeneracy is spread in our 
religious community. 

18th. First-day. Attended Still Water meeting ; a large, 
mixed company of people ; among whom I had close, laborious 
service. We rode to J. E.'s, who is still absent on religious ser- 
vice. 

19th. Second-day. Had an appointed meeting at the Eidge. 
The impression was early made on my mind, that much labor 
had been bestowed on this part of the vineyard, and that the 
great Lord of the vineyard was looking for fruits ; which was 
communicated. While men may be willing to hear the gospel 
preached, they may be like the man beholding his natural face 
in a glass, who goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what 
manner of man he is. Consolation and encouragement were 
administered to the afflicted ; whose trials, I believed, would be 
sanctified to them, as they were faithful to their Lord. The 
Lord's power was in good dominion, and many were much ten- 
dered. Here I parted with some dear Friends in much affection ; 
for whom I felt strong desire that they might grow in the blessed 
Truth, and become valiant for it in their day. After dinner we rode 
to our friend Jacob Branson's at Flushing. Having sixteen miles 
to ride, we rose early next morning, and an hour before day set 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 293 

off for N. H.'s. The moon shining very brightly, we drove with 
safety, and reached his house between eight and nine o'clock, 
and proceeded to the Monthly Meeting at Short Creek. 

20th. Third-day. In sitting with Friends at Short Creek 
Monthly Meeting, I felt myself in a destitute condition ; as 
though my supplies were at an end ; yet after a time, my mind 
was introduced into exercise, on account of a spirit that was 
seeking to lay waste the doctrine of the necessity of being freed 
from sin in this life; and while living in violation of the Divine 
law, professing to rely upon the mercy of Grod in the end. I 
was gradually opened on the doctrine of christian redemption, 
and enabled to show that Christ gave Himself for our sins ; not 
to allow man to sin with impunity; but to bring him out of it ; 
and that it is only as we submit to the sanctification of the 
Spirit, that we can have ground to hope that our past transgres- 
sions will be washed away by the blood of the Lamb. Many 
passages of Holy Scripture were brought before me, showing 
the necessity of being made free from the practice and habits 
of sin ; and it seemed to me, there were those who had great 
need to know the powerful operations of the Divine Word, like 
fire, to purge away the corruptions of their hearts; that they 
might be brought into acceptance with Him, who is of purer 
eyes than to look on iniquity and transgression. The attempts 
of some, of the present day, to destroy our faith in the spiritual 
appearance of Christ in the heart, as the hope of glory ; which 
the Apostle denominates the mystery hid from ages and gener- 
ations, but is now made manifest to the saints, were exposed ; 
ind this christian doctrine, which is the glory of the gospel 
dispensation, was supported by Holy Scripture. The efforts of 
some to invalidate other doctrines and testimonies of the gospel 
as held by our ancient Friends, and to tarnish their reputation, 
were declared against ; and I believed it proper to state that his- 
tory furnished no evidence, so far as I was acquainted with it, 
that those of us, who had once been in measure subjected by the 
power of Christ, and afterwards turned against the principles of 
the Societ}^, ever came to anything in a religious sense, while 
they remained in that opposition ; but I believed that the Lord, in 
his own way and time, would bring a blast upon such ; especially 
on those who had received spiritual gifts, and occupied promi- 
nent stations in the Society. It was very unexpected to be thus 
20 



294 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1842. 



led forth, but 1 believe it was the Lord's doings ; and the young 
people were solemnly warned to beware of all those who seek 
to weaken their attachment to our religious Society and its 
christian principles. At the close of the meeting, a good old 
Friend, seeing it was a day of favor, gave me a fatherly hint, 
that it was not of man ; and that it is needful to bear in mind 
that we are nothing. He said he wanted those who were stand- 
ing for the Truth, to stand. I accepted it as an evidence of 
love, and desire for my preservation, and wish ever to be kept 
under those humble, lowly feelings. Went to the Boarding 
School in the afternoon, where I found agreeable company. The 
society of those who are in heart devoted to the Lord's cause, 
and desire nothing so much as its prosperity, is at all times 
strengthening and consoling; but especially so, when we are 
separated, for the work's sake, from our beloved nearest connex- 
ions in life. It is also heightened by the circumstance that we 
have so often to mingle with those who are in the spirit of the 
world, or do not feel the interest they ought in the cause of re- 
ligion. 

21st. Fourth-day. I had a meeting with the scholars in the 
school-house; they were affectionately labored with to draw 
them from everything that defiles; to enlist under the banner 
of Christ, that they might witness an establishment in Him, and 
be prepared for his service in the church and in the world. The 
tendering, solemnizing presence of the Master was with us. 
After dinner I took an affectionate leave of our beloved friends, 
and rode to N. H.'s, where I was. pleasantly received by him 
and his wife. 

22d. During the night the weather became very cold, and the 
soft snow froze hard on the roads ; which made travelling diffi- 
cult, over the steep hills in this country ; yet the clear, cold at- 
mosphere, was bracing and animating. My friend N. H. having 
informed the Monthly Meeting of his prospect to accompany 
me to the Northern Quarters, and received its unity, we set out 
early in the morning, and reached Smithfield, as the people were 
gathering to a meeting appointed for us. After a season of hum- 
ble waiting in poverty of spirit, the object of our assembly was 
treated on ; showing that those who are gathered to the gift of 
G-od in themselves, depending upon and waiting for Christ, the 
great Minister of the Sanctuary, receive from Him ability to 
worship the Father in spirit and in truth, though no vocal min- 



1842.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 295 

istry be heard. "When the Lord authorizes any to preach the 
gospel, it is a savor of life to these living worshippers, who re- 
ceive power to try words, as the mouth tasteth meat. The bles- 
sings conferred through the Holy Scriptures, when they are 
brought to remembrance and applied by the same Spirit that 
dictated them, were also spoken of ; showing that, though an- 
cient, they are then new. My words, said Christ, are spirit and 
they are life; and when He opens the scriptures to his children, 
they convey spirit and life to the soul. It was a season of con- 
solation and renewing of strength, and I felt love flow in my 
heart ; particularly to some of the ancients who had long walked 
in the Truth. 

23d. The morning was very cold, and we had some fears of 
being unable to get through a creek we had to pass, owing to 
the ice. Several on horseback went before, and following the 
route they pointed out, we got on safely. The meeting was very 
exercising to me. 

24th. Seventh-day. Having heard much said about the diffi- 
culty of getting to Salineville, we set out, the morning being 
very cold, under apprehensions of not arriving there by night. 
When we came to Yellow Creek, we found the ice was not of 
sufficient strength to bear the horses ; and with the kind as- 
sistance of a person living near, a passage was broken for them 
to be led through ; and we run the carriage quickly over on ice 
strong enough to support it. We found some parts in the 
mountain a good deal blocked with drifted snow; but after get- 
ting on a mile or two, the road was more broken and settled, 
and to our surprise, we reached Salineville between two and 
three o'clock. We were received and entertained very hospita- 
bly by Friends ; notice was spread, and we held a meeting for 
the few families of Friends, and some others residing here. It 
ended to pretty good satisfaction. 

On first and second-days we were at Sandy Spring and Au- 
gusta, which were both exercising meetings to me. There 
seemed to be those there whom I could not feel as bone of my 
bone, and flesh of my flesh ; and such was my distress, that I feared 
whether I was keeping so close to my G-uide as I ought to do, 
though I endeavored to do the best I could. Towards the close 
of the latter meeting, however, feeling the spirit of supplication, 
I prosrrated m}- self before the Lord, and prayed that He would 
strengthen his children to follow Him in the way of his leading ; 



296 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1842. 

the aged, the young men, and the youth; and I was comforted 
by the ability thus granted, to supplicate the Helper of Israel. 
The Lord knows how to humble man, and to hide pride from 
him ; and it was the sincere desire of my heart, this afternoon, 
as I rode to New G-arden, to be brought low and kept low ; 
having a constant fear of getting wrong. I desired to be en- 
abled to move in child-like obedience to Him ; so as to deliver to 
the people, in a proper spirit and manner, whatever He may re- 
quire of me. Words will do little without the baptizing power 
of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord accompany the word spoken, 
with his Spirit, and fasten them where He sees fit, as nails in a 
sure place ; keep the poor, unworthy creature in the dust, and 
exalt his own name and power. After a ride of seven or eight 
miles, we got to J. J.'s, who resides near New Garden meeting- 
house ; and were agreeably received and lodged by these ancient 
Friends. 

27th. Third-day. A large company collected ; Friends, sepa- 
ratists and others ; so that the house was crowded. We sat a 
long time in silence, in which some things were brought before 
me, which I thought might be designed for the people ; but 
though I endeavored to keep a close eye to the Master, I could 
not find it was my place to deliver them. The impression was 
rej^eated • we are nothing, and can do nothing, without Christ. 
After a time, having an intimation to break up the meeting, I 
shook hands with my companion. It was a trial to be made as 
a sign, but I apprehended it was right, expectation after words 
being high ; and it is necessary, when the Head of the church 
leads into it, to show by example that we cannot preach when 
man pleases, and that true worship may be performed in solemn 
silence. 

Before leaving our lodgings, it appeared right to hold up to 
the aged Friends who sat at the head of the meeting, the re- 
sponsibility of those who are looked to as watchmen on the 
walls. That it is needful, daily to apply, in humility, for Divine 
wisdom and strength, to go in and out before the people ; and 
to discriminate between thing and thing; so that they may 
give a right judgment for the Lord in his church. To keep 
.those in their places, who are forward, and if they are not 
timely checked, would grow headstrong and high-minded, re- 
quires the help of his Spirit. 

We rode to a Friend's house near New Garden village, who 



1842.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 297 

had lately lost her husband ; arid were there joined by two other 
Friends, with whom we spent the evening. 

28th. Fourth-day. Before leaving the house in the morning, 
I had a word of consolation for the widow and two of her chil- 
dren; in which Truth tendered us together; and she expressed 
her thankfulness that I had been there to comfort them. The 
saying was again realized, "He that watereth shall be watered 
also himself." We then rode about thirty-two miles to a Friend's 
house, near Kendal, a poor little town. 

Fifth-day. Held a meeting here, in which some were brought 
into tenderness ; it was a small company. After dining, we rode 
twenty-one miles, through rain and snow, to a Friend's house, 
near Marlborough. Part of the road led through land that I 
suppose had never been cleared ; the timber was heavy and 
stood very thick, and it seemed like a wilderness country ; re- 
quiring hard labor to remove and destroy the wood. Our host 
seemed to be placed in the woods; and though kind and hospit- 
able, things indicated that they had a pretty rough life. 

30th. Sixth-day. Attended an appointed meeting here, which 
was laborious ; fearing that the spirit of infidelity was at work 
in those remote parts, to destroy the principles of the young 
people. I was engaged to revive the conversation between our 
Lord and his disciples, relating to the opinions among men con- 
cerning Him ; and to show that although the unregenerate could 
not see the kingdom of God, it was plain Christ was revealed 
to the disciples, by the Father, as the Son of the living God ; 
and there is no other way by which we can come to the saving 
knowledge of Him. By the Holy Spirit that proceedeth from 
the Father and the Son, Christ reveals Himself in the heart, 
and communicates true faith in Himself and in the testimony 
of the Holy Scriptures. I labored to put the young people on 
their guard against the dark, insidious spirit of unbelief, which 
was lurking about, and watching to betray and rob them of 
their faith; and they were invited to come to Christ, take his 
yoke upon them, and learn of Him. The parents and the 
watchmen were reminded of their duty in setting a proper ex- 
ample, and restraining the young people from temptations which 
surround them. I hope the meeting ended well, though I did 
not feel that relief I desired. After it was over, I was told there 
were some present of those who deny Christ in his outward 



298 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

coming in the flesh, and others who deny his appearance, by his 
Spirit, in the heart. 

Eode to the house of a Friend, who was formerly a resident 
in Philadelphia, where we lodged, and were kindly entertained. 
On seventh-day, had a meeting at Lexington, with a small com- 
pany; in which we experienced the tendering power of Divine 
Grace amongst us. Proceeded after dining, with some young 
people, to Damascus. 

1843, First month 1st. On first-day morning, we were at 
Springfield Meeting ; held in a large brick building near the vil- 
lage of Damascus; in which a numerous company of Friends 
convene, many of them young. The message of the Apostle 
was revived, that " God is light, and in Him is no darkness at 
all ;" and, " If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have 
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his 
Son, cleansethus from all sin." I felt engaged to labor to bring 
Friends to an individual examination in this light, that they 
might see their true state; for a plain exterior, and a mere pro- 
fession, will avail little. I feared there was a want of inward 
exercise, that the life and power of Truth might be more wit- 
nessed among them. It appeared to me, that through negligence 
and indifference, there was a danger of some Friends becoming 
an ill-savor amongst others, and incurring the denunciation, " I 
will spew thee out of my mouth." I was enabled to discharge 
my duty honestly amongst them, and felt peace. Went home 
with a Friend, where several persons coming in, two of whom 
were not members, but were under affliction from sickness and 
the loss of a child, we fell into silence a little before it was time to 
disperse ; and a word of consolation arose in my heart towards 
those afflicted persons ; with which they were affected and ten- 
dered. 

2d. Eode to Goshen, and held an appointed meeting. The 
house was filled, an interment of a young woman having taken 
place, and drawn Friends together from other meetings. She 
had died after four days' illness. Such a sudden transition, from 
full health to the grave, brought with it great seriousness. The 
people gathered very punctually, and soon settled into solemn 
stillness. I was led to show, that in the prosecution of every 
right concern in the church, the individual to whom it was com- 
municated, passes through a baptism into death before he was 
prepared for use in the Divine hand in the service, or for the 



18^3.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 299 

gathering of others into the church. By submission to those 
deaths oft ; in which openings of duty are removed out of sight ; 
man sees his impotence ; that without Christ he can do nothing, 
and that all wisdom and strength come from Him ; and the 
sincere, fervent desire of his heart the"n is, that the Lord's will 
may be done, and Christ alone be honored and exalted. The 
doctrine of redemption, through obedience to the Spirit of Christ 
was also enforced ; and the meeting closed with solemn suppli- 
cation to the Father of all our sure mercies, for his continued 
care and protection ; and that those who were brought under 
affliction by his dispensations, might kiss the rod and Him who 
has appointed it ; and experience their bereavements and trials 
sanctified and blessed to them. The silence and solemnity over 
the meeting were such that it seemed difficult to conclude to 
break it. Friends parted under feelings of religious weight, 
and thankful for the Lord's goodness to us. 

4th. Attended Salem Meeting. After a time of silent exer- 
cise and waiting upon the Lord, I was strengthened to bear 
testimony to the necessity of examining in the light, whether 
we are walking in the straight and narrow way. There are 
but two gates and two ways laid down in the Scriptures ; and 
in the end, mankind will be divided into sheep and goats; to 
one of whom the language will be, ''Come, ye blessed," and to 
the other, "Go, ye cursed." The folly of being swallowed up 
with the world, was declared against, and retrenchment and 
self-denial pressed upon some. To the little flock who had bit- 
ter cups to partake of, and many baptisms to endure, the lan- 
guage of encouragement was freely held forth. 

5th. My valued friend David Fawcett, with whom I became 
acquainted in North Carolina, being willing to take me to the 
remaining meetings, as far as Brownsville, Pennsylvania, N. H. 
concluded to return ; and accordingly set out this morning for 
home. We parted in good fellowship, having travelled in much 
harmony ; he has been a strength to me, and showed true bro- 
therly affection and kindness, in taking me from place to place. 

Not feeling clear of New Garden, I attended the regular meet- 
ing there, to-day. Here I was engaged to hold up the spiritual 
nature of Divine worship, and the necessity of having our de- 
pendence withdrawn from man and placed upon the Lord Jesus 
Christ alone, who ministers to the conditions of his people, and 
leads them in the way of salvation. Prayer was offered for 



300 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

those who stood as watchmen and judges ; that the spirit of 
discerning and sound judgment might be granted them; and 
that all classes may be favored to see and to keep in their right 
places j so that the enemy may get no advantage over them. It 
was something of a trial to return to this meeting., but in the 
end I believed it was well. 

A meeting having been appointed at Middletown, at ten 
o'clock, and another at Elk Eun, at two o'clock, we rose early, 
on sixth-day morning, the 6th ; and my beloved friend D. Faw- 
cett, took me to the former, eleven miles ; which was a season 
of favor and instruction ; particularly on the need of keeping 
out of all self-confidence ; of which, the defection of Peter, who 
thought that though all men forsook their Lord, yet would not 
he, was an impressive example. Baptisms, oft repeated, are 
the means our Master uses to humble us ; and unless we submit, 
and are thereby incited to close watchfulness, we cannot hope 
for preservation. The meeting in the afternoon was attended 
by a considerable number of persons not of our Society, who sat 
quietly attentive to the doctrine delivered, respecting the ap- 
pearance of the Grace of God in the heart, which brings salva- 
tion. The spirit of prayer was granted, to intercede for the 
gathering of all into the heavenly harmony ; that they may be 
saved with an everlasting salvation. Eode to A. H.'s, a minis- 
ter, where we had the company of several Friends. 

We rode six miles to Carmel, the 7th, and had a meeting at 
ten o'clock; in which I was introduced into sympathy with the 
afflicted, to whom consolation was administered; and then my 
mind was turned to open to others, the spirituality of this dis- 
pensation, and of that baptism, which now saves, and which 
was set over all the outward washings, dippings and sprinklings 
that man can apply. Having about eighteen miles to ride to 
Brighton, we set out, and rode into the town a little after 
dark. 

8th. Attended their first-day meeting, which was small. It 
appeared to be my place to hold up to view the reduction it was 
necessary to experience, that we may enter into and walk in 
the narrow way that leads to everlasting life. The need there 
is of remembering the history and example of our Saviour, whose 
birth-place was a stable, and his lodging a manger; who ap- 
peared on earth as a servant, and not in the pomp and splendor 
of a prince. As we live in his Spirit, we shall not covet gran- 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 301 

deur and wealth ; but having food and raiment, we shall be 
therewith content. The sad consequences of losing a good con- 
dition, and the necessity of returning to the place of beginning 
in the days of our espousals, were pressed upon some ; and those 
among them who were striving to hold fast their allegiance to 
Christ, were exhorted to keep close to Him, and follow on in 
faithfulness. Some, I hope, were comforted, and others warned 
of the day of recompense. 

The weather having been wet, and the travelling being made 
difficult, we concluded to remain until morning, as we could not 
reach Westland short of two days' riding. In the morning we 
took leave of our friends, and proceeded on our journey. 

9tb. Second-day. Eode up the margin of the Ohio Eiver, 
which was very high and covered with floating ice. Our sen- 
sations in passing through Eapp's settlement were gloomy. 
The people settled on it, appearing more like vassals, than free 
persons ; being under his control, and dependent on him for 
everything they require. To me it seemed dark and distressing; 
not calculated to promote their present or future best interests. 
In the afternoon, crossed the Allegheny Eiver, into Pittsburg, 
then the Monongahela, and ascended a mountainous hill, on 
which we met a stage. This started our horses to running back, 
placing us in a fearful position ; but the stage horses being 
driven very fast, passed us so soon that we got ours to move on 
up the hill, and thus saved us from being overturned. We went 
on about six miles from Pittsburg, supped and lodged, and in 
the morning rode about twenty-three miles, to a Friend's house, 
w T nere we dined in the afternoon. The roads were now getting 
deep, with the rain falling, and the frost coming out of the 
ground, and, the country being mountainous, travelling was 
laborious and disagreeable. Pennsylvania is remarkable for 
abundance of water, and the great number of small and large 
streams. They were pouring down the sides of the great hills, 
and crossing our road frequently, and the rapidity with which 
they rose, from the gentle rain, was quite striking ; the frost 
not being altogether out, prevented the water from settling 
away. We proceeded to J. F.'s, leaving word where we had 
stopped, of our intention of being at Pike Run Meeting on 
fifth-day. 

11th. Fourth-day. Attended Westland Meeting, and con- 
trary to my expectation, I was raised out of poverty and weak- 



302 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

ness, to preach the Gospel to those assembled; opening the 
deceptive workings of the grand enemy to allure man into the 
love of the world, and trusting to the form of godliness, whilst 
in life and conduct he was denying the power thereof. I think 
Divine help was remarkably extended, enabling me to enter into 
the states of some ; the dangers to which they were exposed, 
and to labor with them in the tendering restoring love of the 
Gospel. The spirit of prayer was also granted, under which, 
supplication was offered to the Father of mercies, that He 
would renew his visitations to some, and revive the work 
of religion in their hearts in the midst of the years. That He 
would mercifully regard the young and inexperienced, de- 
fend them from temptation, and in the precious blood of the 
Lamb, wash away all our sins and transgressions ; that so we 
may be prepared to stand with acceptance before Him, and sing 
his praise, world without end, Amen. It was a season of hu- 
miliation and Divine favor ; for which grateful thanks and 
acknowledgments are due to our Heavenly Father, and his dear 
Son our Lord Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. 

Went to our beloved afflicted friend Mildred Eatcliff's; dined 
and lodged. She expressed her gladness at seeing me, and fre- 
quently spoke of the goodness of her Lord and Master ; with 
whom she said she had precious communion when left alone ; 
though at other times deeply mourning over the state of the 
church. She said she loved the Truth and its blessed cause, and 
believed that the Lord would preserve a faithful remnant, who 
would be enabled to maintain its doctrines and its testimonies. 
These would not be permitted to fall to the ground ; but the 
Lord would continue to raise up those whom He would qualify 
to support them, as in the days of our early Friends, and to 
bear a plain testimony against wrong things. She was particu- 
larly strong in her disapprobation of Friends sleeping in our 
meetings for Divine worship ; on account of which, she said, 
some thought she had been too severe ; but she was decided that 
such sleeping Quakers were stumbling blocks to honest in- 
quirers after the truth, and that they were denying the faith 
that would give the victory over all such weakness. 

Some Friends came in the evening, which we passed in pleas- 
ant, and, I hope, instructive conversation ; principally on the 
state of our religious Society ; both in relation to our besetting 
difficulties, and also on the cheering evidences without and 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 303 

within, that the gracious Head of the church has not forsaken 
us ; but is visiting our dear young people, and giving gifts to 
sons and daughters, for his glory, and theirs and the church's 
benefit. 

On the following morning I took an affectionate leave of our 
dear friend, in which she expressed her motherly desire for my 
preservation, and that the blaster might be with me; which she 
said she believed would be the case, as He is faithfully and 
humbly sought unto. 

Went to Pike Eun Meeting ; in which I was eno-aged to labor 
with some, who are in danger of settling upon their lees ; and 
having lost the true faith, of saying the Lord will not do good, 
neither will He do evil. And to warn them of the day that 
will overtake all, in which He will search Jerusalem with can- 
dles ; and every man's foundation will be tried. Others were 
warned against denying the Lord Jesus, in his outward appear- 
ance in the prepared body, or in his spiritual appearance in the 
heart. I was also engaged in close and earnest pleading with 
some to receive Him into their hearts, before the awful period 
arrives when the door of mercy will be shut. After the meet- 
ing broke up, there was a profligate deist pointed out to me. 
Though I labored faithfully and felt peace, yet I did not par- 
take of such relief and comfort as I did the day before. J. F. 
brought me to a Friend's house near Brownsville, where I 
lodged. 

13th. Sixth-day. Had an appointed meeting here, in which 
the necessity of perseverance was held forth ; that having 
known the arm of the Lord extended for their help, under the 
storms which assailed them in years past, they might be pre- 
pared to detect the enemy in his future stratagems; wherein he 
was seeking to draw some to deny the spiritual appearance of 
Christ in the heart ; and thus strike a blow at vital religion, 
which is found only there. Ability was measurably furnished 
to caution Friends of these stratagems. 

Set off this afternoon to go to Sandy Spring Meeting, in the 
edge of Virginia. AVe lodged about six miles out from Browns- 
ville, and rising early on seventh-day morning, set out to cross 
the mountains ; the road being extremely rough, and a thin 
covering of snow on the ground ; which continued falling at 
times, through most of the day. It was a dreary, cold ride, but 
we were received with great kindness by the Friends. The 



304 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843 

meeting-house was pretty well filled, and there appeared some 
opening for service; but many who came, seemed not to under- 
stand the nature and importance of a religious life. I was 
fearful that all that was said, made little impression upon many. 
After dinner a young man kindly offered to take me to the turn- 
pike to meet the stage going east, which was effected in a small 
one-horse sleigh. The stage coming on about ten o'clock, 1 
rode all night, and reached Cumberland about sunrise. There 
I took the train for Baltimore, which we reached before six 
o'clock. Lodged in the city, and the next morning took the 
line for Philadelphia; and on third-day, arrived at my own 
home; rejoiced to be restored to my beloved wife and children, 
in peace and safety. 

17th. I arrived at my comfortable home, and was through 
the tender mercy and loving kindness of my gracious Lord and 
Master, permitted to find my beloved wife and children in good 
health, and to join them with feelings of peace and tranquillity, 
after an absence of rather more than two months. Oh, how many 
favors, temporal and spiritual, we have to be thankful and ac- 
countable for! May we not only render Him the return of 
gratitude and praise, but of increased dedication to his will and 
service in the world and in the church. 

20th. Was held a special Meeting for Sufferings, in which a 
memorial to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, asking for the 
passage of a law to defend the free colored population of the 
State from being kidnapped, was adopted ; and four Friends ap- 
pointed to attend that body with it. When the business was 
chiefly finished, our friend Thomas Kite, adverted to the publi- 
cation of a book written by a Dr. Ash of Bristol, England, pro- 
fessedly to expose and refute certain alleged errors in Robert 
Barclay's Apology. The circumstance took much hold of the 
meeting, and brought on a lively discussion ; in which Friends 
animadverted freely upon the work, and other attempts made of 
latter time, to turn the Society away from the faith which it 
has always maintained, as a body, from its rise. There are 
parts of the Society in this country, where young persons are 
much exposed to imposition, both from the attempts to under- 
mine our peculiar testimonies ; and also from the busy, insidi- 
ous efforts of persons, holding the principles of infidelity. As 
these things were opened, Friends became invested with the 
conviction, that if we expected to maintain the character and 



1843.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 305 

ground we have held as a religious Society, it would be neces- 
sary to bear an unequivocal testimony against all such attempts 
to turn away the members from our Christian faith; and for the 
information and encouragement of the younger Friends, to draw 
up a declaration of some of the doctrines and testimonies need- 
ful to be revived at this time. A committee of eight or nine 
Friends was accordingly appointed, with great unanimity, for 
the purpose. When the committee met, the same unity in the 
concern was felt, and the members encouraged one another in 
the work; four Friends were separated, to prepare such a testi- 
mony. 

At the Meeting for Sufferings in the Third month, a brief 
history of the rise and progress of the abolition of slavery, and 
the buying and selling slaves within the limits of the Society, 
was read. It was compiled chiefly of selected documents and 
records of meetings; connected by observations and statements 
of facts, drawn from other sources, and was satisfactory to the 
meeting. 

The committee appointed for the service, in the First month, 
had prepared, and now produced, a document, entitled, " The 
Ancient Testimony of the Eeligious Society of Friends, com- 
monly called Quakers, respecting some of their Christian doc- 
trines and practices." At the Meeting for Sufferings in the 
Fourth month, it was read, deliberately considered, and adopt- 
ed, without a dissenting voice. After the many trials which 
had been passed through, in bearing our testimony against the 
innovations attempted upon the doctrines of the Society, it af- 
forded a degree of comfort, that we were enabled to unite so 
harmoniously in a testimony so decidedly against these errors, 
and supporting the doctrines of the gospel as held by Friends. 

Fourth month 15th. Was held our Yearly Meeting of Min- 
isters and Elders ; in which we felt the great change which has 
been annually taking place within it ; so large a number of sub- 
stantial ministers and elders have been removed by death ; 
while but few, especially ministers, are coming forward to fill 
their places. Friends were brought under a lively concern, for 
a more harmonious labor amono; us. 

17th. Commenced the Yearly Meeting for business, through- 
out which there appeared a satisfactory unity. The Address, 
prepared by the Meeting for Sufferings, on our doctrines, was 
very feelingly approbated, and directed to be printed. It was 



306 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

a solid and comfortable meeting. It was the Lord's doings, and 
doubtless a special favor from Him to encourage his children 
to faithfulness in his cause, and to show to others that He has 
not deserted us, however unworthy we are of the least of all his 
mercies. 

Fifth month 3d and 4th. My wife and myself attended Abing- 
ton Quarterly Meeting; in which the Lord furnished fresh 
ability to preach his gospel, and to put up praj T er to Him on 
behalf of some whose faith, at times, was ready to fail. It was 
a solid, good meeting ; in which not a few hearts were contrit- 
ed, and returned thanks to Him. 

23d. For several months past, I have been led through a wil- 
derness state, in which but little clear shining of the light of 
the Sun of Righteousness has been dispensed. Fear of the quali- 
fication to labor in the cause of Christ, being taken away, has 
been my portion ; under which I have desired to keep patient, 
and to know the refinement necessary for a follower of Him. 
The low state of our Society, in many respects and in many 
parts, has been much upon me; with apprehensions that some 
who have been visited, are not coming forward in the strength 
and devotedness that they ought; while others seem more dis- 
posed to promote the assimilating of the members of our Socie- 
ty with others, than to build it up on the faith which the first 
members were built upon. These things are discouraging; and 
yet there are not a few among us who are united in the fellow- 
ship of suffering; and are praying and watching for the conso- 
lation of Israel. If these can do no more, they may, through 
faithfulness, deliver their own souls ; and others, seeing their 
steadfastness, may be drawn to follow them as they follow 
Christ. To-day I attended the Northern District Monthly 
Meeting. At the close of the last meeting a word of exhorta- 
tion sprung in my heart, to encourage Friends to daily, inward 
travail of soul ; that they may be kept alive in the Truth. It 
was this that made us, in the beginning, a living people, and in 
which the members were made helpful to one another, and quick, 
in discerning the devices of the enemy, who is always seeking 
our destruction, both individually and as a body. 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAxM EVANS. 307 



CHAPTER XY. 

1843—1844. 

Religious visit to New York Yearly Meeting — Origin and Intention of the 
Book Store in Philadelphia — Visits to Various Meetings within his own 
Yearly Meeting — Religious visit to Indiana Yearly Meeting, and some of 
its Meetings — Visits to Friends' Schools — Yearly Meeting — The Value of a 
Eeligious Life. 

1843, Fifth month. I obtained a minute from the Monthly 
Meeting, and attended New York Yearly Meeting, throughout 
most of which I found it my place to keep under a silent tra- 
vail of spirit, for my own preservation, and that I might be 
ready to receive the intimations of religious duty whenever it- 
pleased the Lord to put me forth in his service. On first-day 
morning, in the large meeting room, after my friend Thomas 
Kite had been engaged in the ministry, my way appeared to 
open to rise with the call of the prophet Jeremiah, " Pass over 
the isles of Chittim, and see ; send unto Kedar, and consider 
diligently, and see if there be such a thing : Hath a nation 
changed their gods, which are yet no gods ? but my people have 
changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be as- 
tonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye 
very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed 
two evils ; they have forsaken me, the Fountain of living waters, 
and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no 
water." I was led to show that, like the children of Israel, 
many among us have forsaken the Truth ; and where they have 
done this, they have attempted in various instances to invent 
substitutes for obedience to the Divine will, inwardly made 
known, and taking up the cross daily and following Christ in 
the path of self-denial. It was through the immediate revela- 
tion of the Spirit of God, that his disciples could know and de- 
clare Him to be the Christ, the Son of the living God ; and it 
is only by the manifestation of the same Spirit, that any now 
can have true and saving faith in Him. The indispensable 
necessity of receiving Christ in the heart, that we may know 



308 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. ["1843 

Him for ourselves to save us from our sins, and the danger of 
losing that precious state, after we have known it, was opened 
to the people ; and his humbling, solemnizing power was felt 
among us. 

We dined in company with several Friends, with whom I was 
drawn into conversation, on various points of doctrine and 
practice ; and had fears excited that there is danger of some 
losing that firm attachment to our ancient testimonies, which 
ought to characterize members, holding important stations in 
our Society; and a departure from which, by any, is proof that 
the sure rock and foundation is slidden from. 

In the course of the deliberations of the Yearly Meeting, it 
was to be apprehended that there is danger of the habit of too 
easily speaking, and therefore too frequently, in these meetings; 
where religious weight ought always to attend the considera- 
tion of subjects, involving the interests of the Society. The 
indispensable need of being gathered to the gift of God in the 
heart, was held up to view ; that every one might know his 
place and duty, and receive from the blessed Head of the Church, 
wisdom, and knowledge, and strength to perform it in his fear, 
and to his honor and the benefit of the body. Having a gentle 
intimation that it might be right for me to visit the women's 
meeting, and my friend Thomas Kite opening to the meeting a 
concern for the same service, we were set at liberty; after I had 
informed Friends that my mind had been also turned that way. 
In walking up to their apartment I felt exceedingly stripped, 
and thoughtful whether I had sufficient commission for the pro- 
posed visit ; which led me to look steadily towards the Master, 
desiring I might be preserved from acting in any way unbidden. 
Thomas Kite pretty soon rose, and mentioned various instances 
recorded in the Scriptures, of the use which the Lord had made of 
women in his cause and service ; and to whom He revealed Him- 
self, and deputed them to announce the glad tidings of the Gosj)el. 
After he had been sometime engaged and had taken his seat, 
there seemed in me the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, and I was 
led, in unison with his concern, to encourage those upon whom 
the weight of the ark, at times, rested heavily, to keep to their 
religious exercises, even where their number was few in a place; 
relying upon and being faithful to their Lord ; and He would 
bless them and their steadfastness, to the help of others. The 
younger part were also invited to enlist under the banner of 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 309 

Christ Jesus, the Captain of salvation, that they might be pre- 
pared for service and usefulness here, and for an inheritance 
hereafter, amongst the saints in light. I came away thankful 
for the renewed evidence that the Lord was gracious ; still 
qualifying us, unworthy as we are, for his work, and going 
before, preparing the hearts of some, like Lydia of old, to re- 
ceive the word preached. 

We had several religious opportunities in families, where pretty 
large companies of young and old were collected: and, I be- 
lieve, to the contriting of their spirits, and strengthening their 
desires and resolutions, to follow on to know the Lord with 
greater dedication. It was a week of close exercise to me, in 
which I felt myself in bonds, and in fear of doing anything that 
would hurt any one, or the precious cause ; and preservation, I 
believe, was mercifully granted. I returned in peace, well satis- 
fied that I had given up to the service. 

Seventh month 22d. Luring the past week, the Book Com- 
mittee of the Meeting for Sufferings, has been engaged in getting 
printed the doctrinal address issued by our late Yearly Meeting. 
Many of the more elderly Friends in this city, upon whom the 
care of such matters formerly rested, having been removed by 
death, the putting forth such a document brought feelings of 
unusual responsibility over us ; lest anything might escape our 
notice that the opponents of our do-ctrines could cavil at. There 
is a spirit working in different parts, and under various pretexts, 
which is at enmity with the cross of Christ, and the simple self- 
denying religion into which the Lord led Friends, in the begin- 
ning, and which is the strait and narrow way, laid down in the 
New Testament, as that which leads to everlasting life. 

29th. To-day in conversation with my friend Samuel Bettle, 
Sr., upon some of the concerns, and the present state of our religi- 
ous Society, he informed me, that at their late Monthly Meeting, 
he had mentioned the subject of erecting a suitable building on 
the northeast corner of the Arch Street meeting-house ground, 
for the purpose of depositing Friend's books for sale, and for 
gratuitous distribution ; as a depository of religious tracts, 
setting forth Friend's principles ; as an office for the Treasurer ' 
of Westtown Boarding School ; and an office for a Eecord- 
ing Clerk of the Minutes and Epistles of the Yearly Meeting, 
and Meeting for Sufferings. Such a building has been long 
wanted, and if properly used, and the various concerns con- 
21 



310 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

ducted with a single eye to the cause of Christ, and the spread 
and support of our religious principles, and the real welfare of 
the rising generation, it may prove a blessing to our religious 
Society. May those who come after us, if the depository is 
instituted, be preserved in lowliness and humility of mind; 
seeking for Divine counsel, that they may be kept from intro- 
ducing any works tending to impair a sure and full belief of all 
the doctrines and testimonies of the gospel, as laid down by 
George Fox, Kobert Barclay, William Penn, Isaac Penington, 
George "Whitehead, and others of our primitive Friends. The 
design is to spread our own principles as they have always been 
held and published by this Yearly Meeting ; and not to give 
publicity or circulation to any other. 

Eighth month 19th. Last third-day, the 15th, I felt my mind 
turned to the North Meeting, where I accordingly went. A 
testimony was delivered to some, who, when they saw their 
state, felt they had need to confess their sins and implore for- 
giveness, if they expected to partake of the benefits of the 
mediation and atonement of Him, who is the propitiation for 
the sins of the whole world, and our holy Advocate with the 
Father. They were encouraged, not to cast away their hope in 
the mercy and long forbearance of a gracious Creator ; for under 
these visitations, there was ground to believe that He would 
forgive their transgressions, and blot them out, and enable them 
to forsake their wrong ways, and serve Him faithfully. In the 
afternoon of the 16th, I rode out to my brother Joseph's, at 
Springfield, where my wife and family had gone a few days' 
before. To their meeting, on fifth-day, I went in emptiness. 
My mind was, however, led to look at the state of some dear 
children, who were loving and serving their Lord and Mas- 
ter, and whom He had made witnesses for Him in their pri- 
vate daily walks, as salt in the earth, and reprovers of the wrong 
courses of others. These I was led to salute in the renewed 
springing of the love of the Gospel ; also to open to the disobe- 
dient, their ways, which are accompanied with convictions of 
being wrong, and entirely fail to satisfy the secret longings of 
the immortal soul ; and to plead with them to turn to the Lord, 
when He again visits by his good Spirit, and shows them the 
consequences of their unfaithfulness, and rebellion. My dear 
wife closed the meeting in fervent prayer for them, and for 
8ome others more advanced in years ; and we had cause to thank 



1843 ] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 311 

our compassionate Heavenly Father, for his goodness and con- 
descension to his poor unworthy creatures, and to acknowledge 
that it all came from his bountiful hand. The difference be- 
tween a dry and barren state when there is no opening, and 
being favored with the gentle presentations of the Holy Spirit, 
raised a hope that the Lord had not forsaken, and that it was 
his work, in which He was engaging me, for the help of others, 
and to fill up my own measure of suffering and service. 

21st. Rode with others to Concord, and attended the Quarterly 
Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Here, deep seemed to call 
unto deep, at the noise of the waterspouts. To hear Friends 
from different parts utter the same language, respecting the 
poverty and trial they passed through, was encouraging, and 
confirming that the path which the Lord's children walk in, is 
much the same everywhere ; and the language they use in de- 
scribing their pilgrimage, very similar. Through Divine good- 
ness, we were enabled to comfort one another in true love and 
fellowship, and I believe our unity in the blessed Truth was 
strengthened. 

Notwithstanding the dullness of the weather, the next day, 
many collected; and ability was granted to hand a word of en- 
couragement to them, to hold on their way, in their respective 
allotments, with a single eye to their Divine Master ; who will 
help and cause them to grow, in his strength, from stature to 
stature ; though but few may be near to take them by the hand, 
and to cheer them on their heavenly journey. " The righteous 
holdeth on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be 
stronger and stronger." The dear children were tenderly coun- 
selled, and invited to take the yoke of the Lord upon them, and 
come up in the footsteps of his flock, and they would be fitted 
for service in his church; and to hold up to the nations of the 
earth, the standard of peace and righteousness. It was a good 
day. 

So much rain fell, that we apprehended there would be some 
difficulty in fording Chester Creek ; the bridges having been 
nearly all carried away, by a great flood which occurred about 
three weeks before ; destroying, it is said, more than fifty 
bridges; and several mills, houses and dams in Delaware Coun- 
ty. But we got safely to Springfield. 

23d. My wife and I rode into Philadelphia, and attended our 
Monthly Meeting ; by which I was liberated to go to Indiana 



312 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843 

Yearly Meeting ; having had the prospect several months rest- 
ing upon my mind. Returned to Springfield in the evening. 

24th. Went with my brother Joel to Samuel Swain's at Lon- 
don Grove, where we lodged ; and the next day attended the 
Western Quarterly Meeting. It was larger than I had seen it, 
since the separation ; and I trust was owned, in some good de- 
gree, by the ever-merciful Shepherd of Israel ; though the num- 
ber of faithful laborers is much reduced here, as it is in most 
other places. Still there is ground to hope, that a succession of 
young men and women will come forward, so that the doctrines 
and testimonies held by Friends will not be lost, in this place. 
The principles of unbelief have taken deep hold of many, who 
were once in membership with us in our Society, in this part of 
the country ; and it is no marvel, if our religious Society should 
have a long struggle, before" it rises above the effects of this 
mournful defection. 

We reached Westtown School, about eight o'clock that even- 
ing ; and the following morning rode to Springfield. 

Ninth month 13th. I have seldom, in my own meeting, been 
clothed with more fervent and affectionate solicitude for my 
fellow professors, than on this occasion ; and the gathering, re- 
storing spirit of our Holy High Priest, seemed to be present, to 
heal and revive some who have long neglected the work of their 
own salvation. In the prospect of soon leaving home, I was 
glad to part with my beloved friends, with such a covering of 
heavenly good. The praise and the glory belong to the Lord 
our God, to whom with his dear Son, the Lamb immaculate, be 
ascribed all praise, and honor and thanksgiving, world without 
end. Amen. 

15th. In the afternoon I took an affectionate leave of my dear 
wife and children, and with Henry Cope for my companion, and 
Thomas Kite, went on board the steamboat for Baltimore ; where 
we arrived about one o'clock in the morning. We staid on 
board until about five o'clock, A. M., sleeping on the seats as well 
as we could. Breakfasted, and took the cars for Cumberland, 
at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains. A ride of one hundred 
and seventy-eight miles, though on a railroad, occasions some 
fatigue ; but this mode of travelling is so expeditious and com- 
fortable, that it maybe ranked among the great discoveries and 
improvements of this day of novelty and invention. We had 
a fine, extended view of mountain and water scenery, the r;)ad 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 313 

being mostly located on the banks of thePatapsco and Potomac 
Rivers ; and were it not for the blisjhtine* influence of the un- 
righteous system of slavery, many parts of the country would 
exhibit proofs of high culture, and have better buildings than 
are seen in some places. 

At Cumberland, where we arrived between five and six o'clock, 
we were put into one of the mail coaches, heavily laden ; and 
having nine passengers inside, and the weather warm, riding 
was irksome ; but travelling day and night, we got safely into 
Wheeling on first-day evening. It is undesirable to be on the 
road during the first day of the week, but owing to uncertainty 
of meeting a steamboat at this place, it appeared unsafe to tarry 
at Baltimore ; as we wished to be at the week-day meeting in 
Cincinnati. A night's rest at "Wheeling refreshed us much; 
and engaging our passage in a steamboat, early in the morning, 
we left about eleven o'clock. The company behaved respect- 
fully ; and some manifesting a disposition to converse, it af- 
forded an opportunity to explain the views of Friends, on slav- 
ery and other subjects. The passage was prolonged one day, 
by the dense fogs on the river ; which made it necessary to 
come to, and fasten to the trees, near the water edge, every 
night. I often felt little capacity for conversation, and was shut 
up in silence, at times: being burdened with the light, and 
frothy and worldly spirits of most of the company. But I be- 
lieved inward, mental suffering, in steady watchfulness over 
our words and actions, is not only profitable to our own preser- 
vation and growth, but it has a restraining influence over others, 
and may lead some to examine their own hearts, and strengthen 
the right-minded, to hold on in the right way. 

After a tedious passage of three days, we landed on fifth-day 
morning, the 21st, at Cincinnati, and attended the regular meet- 
ing ; which was owned by the Great Master, qualifying to labor 
amongst them in the love of the gospel ; to show some that they 
had left their first love, and were gone into the earth ; and 
some were getting into the air. I thought I perceived the ad- 
vantage it was, to have been preserved, on the passage, under 
suffering with the oppressed seed in the hearts of the earthly, 
and airy people on board ; and I was led affectionately to per- 
suade Friends, to examine themselves where they were, and to 
turn again to the Lord : and those who sincerely loved the 
Truth, were encouraged to greater dedication. The meeting 



314 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

ended under feelings of solemnity ; Thomas Kite closing it with 
prayer. 

Sixth-day. Called upon our aged and valued friend Ann 
Shipley, with whom we spent some time in pleasant conversa- 
tion; and just before parting, we fell into silence; in which my 
mind was tenderly and affection atety drawn to our dear friend, 
as to a mother in the Truth ; and the language of comfort, and 
promise of the Messed reward at the end of the race, was im- 
parted ; to our mutual refreshing. In the afternoon, visited a 
woman Friend, in the prime of life, lately acknowledged a min- 
ister, to whom counsel was handed, in relation to the occupancy 
of so important a gift. 

23d. We rose between two and three o'clock ; and about 
four o'clock left the city in a stage, on our way to Eichmond ; 
distance sixty-five miles ; which we reached at dusk, and were 
kindly received by our friend E. C. and wife, where we were 
hospitably entertained during the sittings of the Yearly Meet- 
ing, and had the company of many interesting Friends. 

24th. First-day morning. Felt my mind drawn to Mil- 
ford Meeting ; where we had hard labor for a season, to come 
to any sense of Divine life, stirring among them; but the Good 
Shepherd opened the spring a little, and qualified to minister to 
them ; with which my companions afterwards expressed their 
satisfaction. After dining, we returned to Eichmond. 

Second-day, attended the Meeting for Sufferings. Third-day, 
the Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; and on fourth-day, a 
meeting for public worship ; in which I was engaged in preach- 
ing the gospel of Christ, to a very large congregation ; showing 
the need of perseverance to the end, in order to gain the crown. 
The young people were invited to come to Christ and learn of 
Him. In the afternoon, at the Meeting of Ministers and Elders, 
it appeared right to open the nature of gospel ministry; show- 
ing that they who minister, are to speak as those, through 
whom the Lord condescends to speak to the people ; also allud- 
ing to the necessity of not meeting the desire of the people to 
hear, nor our own, to utter, words. It was the concern of our 
early Friends, that as it was a great cross to them in the begin- 
ning of their ministry to speak, it might not become one to be 
silent, when they had nothing in command to say. 

The Meeting for Sufferings having before it an essay, designed 
as an address to other christian professors, on slavery, and not 






1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 315 

feeling quite satisfied with it, referred it back to the committee 
for revision ; and requested the strangers to sit with them ; 
which we did, and aided them in remodelling it ; and the meet- 
ing adopted it as altered. 

Sat fifth, sixth and seventh days of the Yearly Meeting much 
in silence. 

First-day, a large concourse of people came together. The 
young people were unsettled ; coming into the meeting at a late 
hour, and many going out very soon. This is an evidence of 
defective education ; for were they properly instructed, they 
could not easily disturb a religious meeting ; nor would they 
feel the same inclination to be going out, were their minds im- 
pressed, as they ought to be, with the solemnity of Divine wor- 
ship. In the forenoon I was silent, other Friends being engaged 
in the ministry; but in the afternoon I was led to call the at- 
tention of Friends to the afflictions, permitted to overtake the 
Society ; and to consider how far our unfaithfulness had brought 
them upon us. To examine how far the world and its attrac- 
tions had absorbed the mind ; so that some may have forgotten 
the duties they owe to their Almighty Creator; their spiritual 
eye had become dim, and they unable to sound an alarm at the 
approach of the enenrv, because they had lost their discernment. 
The young people were also spoken to, on their conduct ; and 
all classes invited to draw near to the Lord Almighty; that 
they might be clothed with the spirit of prayer, to cry unto 
Him for help in this day of trial ; and come up faithfully, in 
their generation, in showing forth the excellency of the religion 
we profess, and laboring in its blessed cause. I hope the Spirit 
of Him who seeketh to save that which is lost, and to preserve 
those who are in danger, was the clothing of my mind ; and that 
his power was exalted over disorderly walkers ; and the rightly- 
exercised comforted. 

Tenth month 2d. Second-day. Much business was done. 
The address prepared by the Meeting for Sufferings of this 
Yearly Meeting, on the subject of slavery, was read and ap- 
proved ; also an interesting memorial concerning Joseph Hunt, 
formerly of Evesham, New Jersey ; who deceased in the thirty- 
second year of his age. The latter gives a very instructive view 
of his religious growth, and his excellent example, and perti- 
nent counsel to his family : a large number of these papers were 
directed to be printed. 



316 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

Third-day. After the business was finished, it seemed incum- 
bent upon me, to endeavor to open a little of the concern I felt, 
particularly for the young men, in these times of commotion 
and division; when many spirits are abroad in the world, seek- 
ing to unsettle their minds, and draw them from that inward 
abiding with Christ, the Captain of salvation ; wherein only we 
can be preserved, receive a knowledge of our place and service 
in the church ; and wisdom to do what He requires of us. The 
danger of listening to those, who would spoil them, through 
philosophy and vain deceit ; and of being led astray from Christ, 
the Sun of Eighteousness ; so as to become like wandering 
stars, was plainly held out to them. The faithful laborers, 
striving to stem the current of disaffection, were encouraged to 
maintain their ground, with christian firmness ; and the young 
men invited to deep indwelling at the feet of Jesus ; that they 
may be prepared to bear their share of the weight of the ark, 
and stand nobly in their day for the cause of Christ. 

Many Friends, after the meeting was over, expressed their 
unity with our labors, and the hope that they would prove use- 
ful. We passed the remainder of the day at E. C.'s, where a 
large number called to take an affectionate leave of us. 

Fourth-day. Our kind friend E. C. sent H. Cope and myself 
to Newport, ten miles north of Richmond, where a Friend took 
us to Cherry Grove Meeting, about seven miles further. It was 
a heavy time, the spring of the ministry not rising freely. 

Fifth-day morning, attended New Garden Meeting. In the 
afternoon, an appointed meeting held at Newport ; which was 
a mixed company of Friends and the town people. At parting 
with our beloved friend William Hobbs, he expressed, in a father- 
ly, discreet manner, his satisfaction with my visit, and labors 
among them, which was a strength to me. 

Attended an appointed meeting at Dover, about six miles 
from New Garden, and then rode to Richmond. 

Tenth month 7th. Rose early to be ready for the stage, but 
did not get off until some time after daylight ; the weather was 
wet and heavy, which made travelling unpleasant. We passed 
through Easton ; thence to Hamilton, a beautifully situated 
village; the Miami running through it, and on one side a canal, 
coming from Cincinnati, through a body of rich productive land ; 
where we hear that large crops of corn are raised. We reached. 
Cincinnati about eight o'clock. 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 317 

8th. First-day. Attended their morning meeting ; in which 
I was enabled to set forth the nature of the christian religion ; 
which changes the heart, and constrains us, as one of the first 
duties, to do justly in the sight of our great Creator ; not as 
men pleasers, or eye servants, but in the Lord's fear, who 
searches the heart. This vital, practical religion, regulates the 
natural passions and propensities ; brings them into subjection, 
and qualifies man in every station in life, to glorify God in 
his body and in his spirit, which are his. In its nature and 
operation, it is plain and simple ; consisting in obedience to the 
Divine will, as made known in the heart. As man, through 
the power of Divine Grace, glorifies his Maker, he works out 
his own salvation, with fear and trembling, before Him; and 
at the same time, is fitted for the Lord's service in the world 
and in the church. Thomas Kite ended the meeting with 
prayer. 

Feeling a concern to see the members alone, I proposed they 
should convene in the afternoon ; which was agreed to. The 
number now composing this meeting, we were informed, is 
about one hundred males and one hundred and fifty females. A 
pretty large company collected, principally young persons ; and 
I had an opportunity to show, that separated as they are from 
the body of Friends, some of them coming from places where 
they had had many advantages, they have increasing need to 
watch and pray, lest they enter into the temptations around 
them. Habits or principles, not congenial with the purity and 
self-denial of the gospel, getting among them, may easily spread; 
unless those who know the voice of the true Shepherd, keep a 
firm ground, in steadily opposing wrong things. Faithfulness 
is not only of great moment to themselves, but may also be so, 
to the rising city where they dwell. They were affectionately 
entreated to yield to the tendering convictions of the Spirit of 
Christ, which some of them had known to operate powerfully 
on the heart ; and lay aside those things which He required 
them to give up ; that He may fashion them for his use ; and 
they would receive the consolations of his peace, to reward 
them for obedience. Parents were impressively exhorted to 
watch over the children committed to their charge; command- 
ing them in love, and restraining them from unsuitable things ; 
tha.t, as delegated shepherds, they might guard them from the 
corruptions of the world, and prepare their hearts for the seed 



318 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1843. 

of the kingdom. And no greater joy will they have in ad- 
vanced life, next to Divine approbation, than to see their sons 
as olive plants around their table, and their daughters as corner- 
stones, polished by the Truth, after the similitude of a palace 
I felt peaceful ; Divine help having been extended, to qualify 
for the discharge of duty. 

9th. Second-day. Our friends in this city have shown us 
much kind and affectionate attention; and I believe have been 
united to us in the visit. We parted from them with feelings 
of sincere regard, desiring their growth in the Truth; and took 
passage in the steamboat for Pittsburg or Wheeling, as it might 
suit us best. This mode of travelling is less fatiguing than most 
others ; yet the confinement with strangers, and the monotony, 
add to its wearisomeness. One morning the passengers and 
men were startled at seeing a large steamboat meeting us, and 
so near, as to appear improbable the boats could avoid striking. 
The engine was working slowly, on account of taking in wood, 
and the helmsman immediately giving the signal to the engi- 
neer, to turn the wheel back, the other boat just passed our 
bow, without injury. Our danger was occasioned by fog, which 
prevented those on the two boats from seeing each other in 
time ; we accordingly came to, along side the shore, and waited 
until the fog had dispersed. The captain said he had known 
boats to run over others and sink them ; so that we had cause 
to be thankful to our Great Preserver, that no harm was permit- 
ted to befal us. How near we sometimes come to the gates of 
death, without being destroyed, we cannot tell ; but we have a 
merciful Shepherd, who sleepeth not by day or night, and con- 
stantly careth for us ; even when we are not remembering Him ; 
and kindly protects and delivers us from many dangers. May 
the sons and daughters of men reverence; fear and praise his 
great and worthy name ; and serve Him with the w T hole heart. 

We landed at Wheeling on fourth-day, the 11th ; took stage 
for Cumberland, and thence, by railroad and steamboat, reached 
the wharf at Philadelphia, about three o'clock on seventh-day 
morning. It being moonlight, encouraged us to leave the boat 
at once, and I soon gained entrance into my own dwelling, and 
was heartily received by my beloved family ; finding them all 
in health, no evil having befallen any of them in my absence; 
for which, and the help and preservation granted me in the 
prosecution of this little requisition of duty, and the peaceful 



1843.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 319 

mind now enjoyed, I desire to be humbly thankful to my gra- 
cious Leader. 

On the 30th, feeling a gentle pointing to Chester Monthly 
Meeting, held in this month at Springfield, I went to it ; and 
in unison with my beloved friend Sarah Emlen, who addressed 
the young people, I was drawn forth in love towards them, to 
show them the blessed results of obedience to the Divine com- 
mands. The man who was born blind, received sight, after his 
eyes had been anointed with clay, by following the direction of 
the Lord Jesus, to go to the pool of Siloam and wash. And when 
the ten lepers were going to show themselves to the priest, in 
conformity with Christ's bidding, as they went, they were heal- 
ed. Our dear friend S. Emlen, having then a prospect of again 
spreading before her friends a concern which she had long felt, 
and once laid before her meetings, to pay a religious visit to 
England, Ireland, &c, the current of the stream of the ministry 
seemed to embrace her situation also ; encompassed with fears ; 
and proved a strength to her; though I did not know it was 
her intention to bring it before that meeting. We ought not to 
magnify our little impressions to duty, beyond their deserts ; 
yet going there in faith, without any other object than a com- 
pliance with apprehended duty, and being introduced into fel- 
low feeling with a suffering sister, and enabled in any degree 
to cheer and animate to faithfulness, was a comfort to me, and 
a little evidence that the Lord's hand was in it. He that 
watereth shall be watered himself. 

Twelfth month 23d. Feeling my mind drawn to go down to 
"Westtown school, I set off this morning. Two deaths having 
occurred among the scholars, sympathy, and the impression of 
duty, induced me to make them a visit. Attended their meeting 
the next day. I was exercised among them in the authority of 
Truth ; being in the first place, led to deal plainly with some of 
the children ; who, it felt to me, were under very little relig- 
ious restraint in their own minds ; but were doing what, at 
times, they knew was wrong, and inciting one another to the 
same improper conduct. Then I was turned to the care-takers ; 
to encourage them to a more fervent travail of soul for them- 
selves, and for the children entrusted to their charge. The 
power of Truth spread over the meeting, and brought the spirits 
of some down ; tendered others, and I hope impressions were 
made that will be lastingly useful. In the afternoon I felt bound 



320 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

to open to them the ground of our testimony to the use of the 
plain language; thou and thee to one, and you to more than 
one. It was the scripture language from G-enesis to Bevela- 
tions ; and it was our duty to avoid the corruptions brought in 
through pride : also, of our testimony against the vain titles 
given to men, and against the heathen names of the days and 
months. I returned home on the 25th in peace ; but as is very 
common with me, in poverty of spirit. 

1844. First month 1st. Attended at the Girls' Select School 
by appointment. At the close of the school, after religious 
reading, was gone through, Thomas Kite had a short communi- 
cation, on the importance of making a new beginning to improve 
with the new year. I was impressed with the beautiful orna- 
ment of modesty and diffidence, in the female character; espe- 
cially when it proceeds from the heavenly influences of the 
spirit of our blessed Redeemer, who was meek and lowly of 
heart. As I gave up, unworthy as I felt myself, to the gentle 
impressions of duty, the blessedness and substantial happiness 
experienced by the devoted soul, in which the Lord condescends 
to take up his abode, was brought to view ; and the dear Chil- 
dren persuaded to yield to the visitations of Divine love. He 
would clothe them with the modesty, and the graces imparted 
by his Spirit ; which would be as a barrier between them and 
those who would allure them from the path of holiness. 

7th. After a long silence in our Particular Meeting, and pass- 
ing through much discouragement on my own account, and the 
opposition which prevails in worldly-minded men, to the plain 
doctrines of the gospel, I was brought under exercise on account 
of a state, which had tried many things, and sought after enjoy- 
ment in the comforts of life, and was disappointed, and now had 
little or nothing to rest on. The language of David presented : 
" I have seen an end of all perfection ; but thy commandment is 
exceeding broad." Earthly comforts and delights, in their most 
perfect and complete state, would end ; but godliness, which is 
keeping G-od's commandments, is exceeding broad; having the 
promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. I 
felt tenderly for those who seemed to have wasted time and 
strength, and were brought to a sense of destitution; believing 
that it was in mercy the Lord thus deals with poor, negligent and 
unfaithful man ; that He may raise in him a longing desire after 
durable riches ; the bread and water of life. These were fer- 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 321 

vently and affectionately labored with, to persuade them to en- 
dure his dispensations, and apply to Him for help and strength, 
to redeem the lost time, by faithfully following him in the work 
of regeneration. 

At our large evening meeting, we had a long season of close, 
inward conflict ; during which, I expected we should close the 
sitting, as we did last first-day, without anything being said ; 
which, if it was the will of the Head of the church, I believe 
we were desirous of submitting to, as being in wisdom, and for 
the good of the people. At the same time, there was a yearn- 
ing of heart, towards some who were hungering and thirsting 
after the bread and water of life ; and were adopting the lan- 
guage, "Tell me, O Thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feed- 
estj where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon; for why 
should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy com- 
panions ?" and when it seemed near time to separate, I was in- 
duced, under fear of omitting my duty, to revive the declaration 
of our Lord, " Where two or three are gathered together in my 
name, there am I in the midst of them ;" and to say that He is 
in the midst of such, whether they are sensible of it or not ; 
watching over them and beholding their respective conditions. 
He may try their faith, but He will teach these to keep the 
word of his patience ; and if they wait upon Him, will sustain 
them, until he sees fit to manifest himself to them. Encourage- 
ment was handed to these seeking souls ; that although, they 
may have but few outward helps, yet if they continue dedicat- 
ed to their Lord, He will cause them to grow in the Truth, so 
as to be helpers to others. Our beloved friend, Elizabeth Pit- 
field, knelt in solemn supplication, and the meeting ended to 
satisfaction. . 

10th. To-day I attended the Western District Meeting after 
a long absence ; and was favored through the unmerited conde- 
scension of the Lord our God, to preach the way of life and sal- 
vation ; being through the cross, and baptisms, and deaths oft. 

Second month 5th. We had a good Quarterly Meeting; our 
friend Isabel Cassin, from England, being exercised among us, 
and enabled to bring np stones of memorial. She said the strug- 
gle was between the seed of the bondmaid and that of the free 
woman ; and to the latter, Christ would give the victory. She 
was glad to feel Friends in this city, as bone of her bone, and flesh 
of her flesh, and there were those who are travailing in birth ; 



322 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

and some who are shut up as in prison-houses, to whom the Ian- 
guage would be uttered, " Go forth ye prisoners of hope." She 
appeared to have the prospect, that faithful ones would be raised 
up to maintain the testimonies of Truth ; and preach the glad tid- 
ings of salvation through a meek, and crucified, and glorified Lord. 
My dear wife bent the knee in solemn, fervent supplication ; by 
which, and the foregoing testimony, many hearts were tendered. 

29th. For many weeks I have been moving along under se- 
cret bitterness of spirit. My desires are at times strong for en- 
tire victory over every habit or propensity that stands in the 
way of communion with the Father of mercies. May the Lord in 
his infinite and unmerited mercy, condescend to show me those 
things that are contrary to his blessed and holy will, and lead 
me clean out of them ; that I may be more fitted for his use ; 
and enabled to hold forth an example of purity, and gravity, and 
self-denial, that may tend to draw others to the blessed Truth, 
and settle them on Christ, the Eock and Foundation of his 
church, and of every living member of it. 

Our friend Eachel Priestman, from England, having a desire 
to hold a meeting with the laboring part of the inhabitants in 
the southern suburbs of the city, particularly with those who 
go to places of worship but little, arrangements were made with 
the trustees of the Methodist Meeting-house, on Wharton Street, 
for its u«te ; which being granted, notice was spread ; both at the 
first-day meeting there, and by hand-bills through the district. 
Last evening a very large concourse met there ; many more than 
could get in the house. It was computed that sixteen hundred 
were seated ; who conducted with much propriety, and to whom 
our friend preached, at considerable length. After she had spo- 
ken, my mind was impressed with the belief, thatit would be right 
to open a ltttle the inward and spiritual nature of the gospel 
dispensation ; reviving the answer of our blessed Lord to the 
question, "when the kingdom of God should come :" " The king- 
dom of God," said He, "cometh not with observation; neither 
shall they say, lo here, or lo there! for behold the kingdom of 
God is within you." The great liability to look abroad for that 
which is to be found within ourselves; and the necessity of 
experiencing Christ, by his Spirit, to bind the strong man, to 
spoil his goods, and cast him out, was set before the attentive 
company ; that so every one may know the heart cleansed and 
sanctified, and made a temple for the Lord of life and glory to 






1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 323 

dwell in. Divine help was near ; enabling both of us to preach 
the gospel of salvation, through the Son and Sent of G-od. Our 
friend closed the meeting with prayer. I understood after- 
wards, there was general satisfaction with the meeting. 

Our annual assembly this year was large and solemn. 
Many manifested a lively interest in its proceedings ; and 
faithful, exercised Friends, were engaged to labor for the 
promotion of greater diligence and devotion in all our re- 
ligious duties. I believe that the blessed Head of the church 
was graciously near, uniting us together, and qualifying us to 
do his will, and to show forth the excellent order, and solid 
weightiness of spirit, that are to be found among his people, 
where He presides, and every one, in humility, is desiring to 
keep his place in the body. We have cause to be reverently 
thankful for his great condescension, and to ascribe all the 
praise to his great and holy Name. 

Information being received during its session, that a treaty 
had been negotiated by the President, with the Texan govern- 
ment, for the junction of its territories to the dominions of the 
United States, the Meeting for Sufferings convened at the close 
of the Yearly Meeting, to consider whether it would be right, for 
Friends to remonstrate against the contemplated measure ; by 
which slavery and the slave trade would be extended in this land. 
Such a document was concluded to be drawn up ; a committee 
was appointed, and on seventh-day morning, the 20th of Fourth 
month, it was produced, united with, and several Friends named 
to take it to Washington, for presentation to Congress. They 
accordingly went to the seat of government ; had it offered to 
the Senate, and had an interview with the President, and with 
the representatives of our city ; and returned on the 25th. 

Fifth month 11th. Our city has been thrown into great com- 
motion, and some parts into great terror, by the circumstance 
of some persons, said to be foreigners, firing into a meeting of 
Native Americans, convened for political purposes in Northern 
Liberties. 

A religions life is at all times blessed, but its value is most 
especially felt in times of danger, and at the approach of 
death. Those who love and serve God in the time of prosper- 
ity, will not be forgotten nor deserted by him in the day of 
adversity. His name will be to them a strong tower, to which 
they will flee and find safety ; even when terror and amazement 



324 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

overtake the worldly and the negligent ones. What solid ad- 
vantage is derived from giving up to the early visitations of 
Divine Grace, progressing, through obedience to the cross, from 
stature to stature, and thereby attaining an establishment in 
the Truth. These have the pearl of great price, the white stone, 
and in it a new name written, which' no man knoweth, saving 
him that hath it; an inestimable treasure; Christ living and 
abiding in them, the hope of their glory, and the foundation 
upon which they are built and settled. They want no other; 
they thirst for no other water, than what springs in their souls, 
from Him, the Fountain of living waters; and their prayer 
and travail is, that they be made and kept as pillars in his house, 
that shall go no more out. These are as salt in the earth, 
and lights in the world; soldiers in the Lamb's army, who 
bear the ensign of the Prince of Peace ; and who will, under 
his command, finally obtain the victory over death, hell and 
the grave, in their own experience ; and over the kingdom of 
antichrist the world over; even so, Amen. 

16th. Eeceiving a gentle intimation the day before, to go to 
the Western District Meeting, I attended it yesterday. A 
Friend from another Quarter, communicated a few words, on 
the necessity of praying without ceasing, and in all things 
giving thanks. Another, not belonging there, knelt soon after, 
in petition to the Almighty, for preservation, and that as the 
harvest was great, more laborers might be sent into the harvest 
field. My duty appeared to be to hold up the plainness and the 
holiness of the path, which Christ casts up for his children to 
walk in ; that when He comes into a soul, to begin the work of 
regeneration, He often causes his light to shine as in a dark 
place ; discovering to it its real condition ; what it must part 
with before it can be fit for Him, by his Spirit, to take up his 
abode in, and before it is prepared to be made use of by Him, 
in his work and service. To such a soul this is peculiarly one 
of the days of the Son of man; in which if it submits and does 
not resist, his love will be shed abroad; He will raise in it fer- 
vent cries for strength to forsake all and to follow Him ; these 
cries will be heard and answered. He begets the will, and 
works the deed in us, and as He is faithfully followed, the soul 
is gradually led out of everything that defiles, and is contrary 
to the Divine will ; and thus an entrance being obtained at the 
strait gate, a growth and gradual establishment in the blessed 



1844] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 325 

Truth is known. I began low, and the Lord furnished me with 
matter, one thing opening after another, until the stream rose 
and overflowed the hearts of some present ; softening them 
down, and renewing desires for a participation in the precious 
things of God, the blessing of the everlasting hills. Christ 
Jesus, and Him crucified, was preached ; and some who had of 
latter time been awakened, as I believe, there were such pre- 
sent, were pressingly called to believe on Him, and yield to his 
heavenly visitations and convictions. Another Friend closed 
the meeting with prayer, particularly that those to whom the 
word of reconciliation was committed, might be preserved to 
the end, and finish their course with joy, and to testify the gos- 
pel of God's universal grace. We have great cause to thank 
Him for his goodness and great condescension to our low and 
unworthy state; and to put our mouths in the dust; humbly 
craving that He will suffer neither heights nor depths, princi- 
palities nor powers, nor any other creature, to separate us from 
his love which is in Christ Jesus, our crucified yet victorious 
Lord and Saviour. 



CHAPTEE XVI. 

1844. 

Changes taking place in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting — Lydia Dean — Phila- 
delphia Quarterly Meeting — Concord and Western Quarterly Meetings — 
Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting — Religious visit to the Meetings in the 
Northwestern part of New York Yearly Meeting. 

1844, Fifth month 25th. Sarah Emlen being about to em- 
bark for England on a religious visit, I called at her lodgings 
last evening, where I found several Friends. After conversing 
pleasantly for a time, we fell into silence, and several communi- 
cations were made, encouraging and counselling our dear friend 
to put her trust in Him who has covered her head in the day of 
other battles ; who is the only foundation upon which we can 
rest with safety, and the only leader and commander who. can 
guide in the way and work, so that it will yield peace in the 
conclusion, when a retreat is sounded in the mental ear from the 
22 



326 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

field of service. And how important, at the close of the labor, 
to have the evidence that we have fought in his ranks, and ad- 
vocated his cause, and not that of any other. To these He will 
grant the reward of sweet peace, which is of incomparably 
higher value than all the applause which vain man can bestow. 
No party adulation or applause can give peace, but will rob us 
of it, if we suifer ourselves to be drawn aside from faithfully 
following the Master. 

On the 23d, I was to the Arch Street Meeting in much weak- 
ness and fear, yet did not feel easy to refrain from opening the 
necessity of knowing Christ to be our baptizer, and sanctifier. 
These only are his servants, whom the Father will honor. By 
the humiliating, refining operations of his fiery baptisms, the 
creature is brought into the state of a little child ; looking up 
to, and leaning upon Him. Hereby preservation is experienced; 
the spiritual eye is anointed to see, and to discriminate be- 
tween that which serves God, and that which serves him not. 
And as they keep faithful, these are made living witnesses of 
the power of his resurrection, and the majesty and the mercy 
which He displays in delivering, leading on, and clothing the 
soul, with the garments of his righteousness and praise. 

Changes are gradually taking place among us in this city. 
There are now very few left, to whom some of us can look as 
fathers and mothers, counsellors and supporters, in the trials and 
exercises of the day. Of the many who wear the garb of 
Friends, too small a proportion are daily dwelling under a heart- 
felt concern for their own soul's salvation, and that they may 
come up as fellow helpers in the cause of Christ. There are, 
however, some of this description, who are a comfort and 
strength to their elder brethren and sisters. But how have the 
love of the world, its fashions and its maxims, together with its 
ease and its deceitful spirit, captivated not a few who had made 
a good beginning ; stopped their growth, and eaten out the life 
and power of religion. When we have looked around to see 
who would be found prepared for the important station of 
elders, we can discover but few who have not fallen back or are 
making but little progress; so that instead of being ready for 
watchmen and watch women, and instructors of ministers, they 
have need to be reminded of their slackness, and of the mourn- 
ful feelings which their unfaithfulness brings over those who 
have been watching for their growth in the blessed Truth. 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 327 

This state of society is at times very discouraging ; but, never- 
theless, we are not to be hindered by such slothful ones, from 
doing the work which oar Master points out, and requires us to 
perform ; whether others hear or refuse to profit by it. To 
know our own souls delivered from the wrath to come, is of the 
highest importance to us ; and as we are engaged for ourselves, 
the Lord may secretly bless the honest discharge of duty to 
others also. 

Sixth month 17th. My beloved wife having been engaged in 
visiting the families of Woodbury Meeting, and being nearly 
ready to return home, I went there this morning. In the after- 
noon, G-. M. and wife accompanied us to Sculltown ; she having 
a concern to make a visit to a few in that neighborhood ; which 
she accomplished ; being favored to minister, in much clearness, 
to the states of several with whom we had religious opportuni- 
ties. We returned to Woodbury next afternoon, and to our 
own quiet, peaceful home in Philadelphia. 

21st. Our Meeting for Sufferings was held this day ; in which 
a committee was appointed to draw up a brief address to our 
members in this State, cautioning them against complying with 
the requisitions of a militia law, recently enacted by the Legis- 
lature. The meeting adjourned to nine o'clock this morning, 
(22d,) when the essay was read, carefully examined, and direct- 
ed to be printed and circulated among the members. The unity 
and fellowship with which the subject was handled and result- 
ed, was truly encouraging and comforting. 

30th. The state of our religious Society, and the secret work- 
ings of a spirit which seeks ease and despises the cross, and 
would, if it could, lay waste the testimonies the Holy Spirit 
leads into, often brings sorrowful and depressing sensations over 
those who desire to see those testimonies maintained. Under 
these feelings, it was a comfort to witness the Truth rise into 
dominion, through the ministry of my dear wife, this morning 
in our meeting ; who was qualified to preach the necessity of in- 
dividually experiencing Christ to be the resurrection and the 
life in us ; raising the soul out of a state of spiritual death, and 
placing the affections upon things that are invisible. It was un- 
expected to me, but I felt constrained to follow her in suppli- 
cation to the Lord our God, that He would baptize and 
rebaptize us with his Holy Spirit, not only to remove the chaff, 
but to keep alive a flame of love and greater devotion to Him, 



328 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1844 

on the altar of the heart ; to unite those who assemble in that 
place; that they may put shoulder to shoulder; and with one 
heart, offer to Him, the Lord G-od and the Lamb, through the 
powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, thanksgiving and praise, 
might, majesty, dominion and power, to whom alone it belongs ; 
but to us blushing and confusion of face. 

Seventh month 9th. This afternoon was interred, in the 
Western Burying Ground, the remains of our much beloved 
friend Lydia Dean, late of New York ; a sound and lively min- 
ister of the gospel of Christ. She believed it to be her duty to 
remove to this city, and accordingly came last autumn. Her 
frame was remarkably delicate ; and having been long afflicted 
with bronchial disease, it terminated in consumption of the 
lungs ; which was the means of cutting short her valuable life. 
She was favored, near the close, with a precious glimpse of her 
Saviour; and said, "My Saviour has come at last; how glori- 
ous!" Her resignation and preparation for death were a sweet 
consolation to her friends ; softening the trial of losing so excel- 
lent a minister, and deep travailler for Zion's welfare. She held 
fast to the end, her integrity to the Truth, as declared and be- 
lieved by Friends from the rise of the Society; bearing a decid- 
ed testimony against all attempts at modifying its doctrines, or 
admitting any innovation upon them. 

30th. Poverty and emptiness have been my portion for days 
past; the thought sometimes arising, whether I shall again be 
enabled to engage in the Lord's work with acceptance. Yet 
strong desires have been felt to experience preservation, greater 
degrees of purification, and a deeper establishment in the Truth. 
One after another is being removed from works to rewards ; and 
how soon the awful summons may be sounded in the ear of those 
left behind, no one of us knows. But it has felt to me increas- 
ingly needful, to watch against temptation, and to resist it 
steadily, that the work of redemption and sanctification may 
continue to go on with the day. 

Eighth month 5th. We held our Quarterly Meeting this 
day. These meetings are often trying seasons; producing 
mournful feelings, on account of the want of fervent, united, 
spiritual labor, for the prevalence of Divine life, and the lively 
support of our discipline and testimonies ; so that we might see 
the Truth prevail, and the members prospering in it. And yet, 
1 trust, there is a body preserved, though it may not be numer- 



184 l.J JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 329 

ous, who are united in the fellowship of suffering, for the same 
blessed cause; mourning and travailing together before the 
Lord, on account of the effects of a worldly spirit, which cannot 
bear the cross ; even amongst some who would wish our reli- 
gious Society to be more like the other professors of Christianity, 
in language, dress and manners. Ah ! these have inflicted a se- 
vere blow upon us, which we were in nowise prepared to expect. 
But the Lord on high, who is mightier than the noise of many 
waters, can sustain his children in their deep probations, and 
mightily defend his blessed cause; even though the truly devo- 
ted in heart may be few ; and their strength, at times, seem 
ready to fail. The turning aside of some, like a deceitful bow 
in the day of battle, giving their strength in secret to wrong 
things, is a cause of great discouragement to the single hearted 
soldiers of Christ. It not only creates doubts and faltering 
among some others, but it will certainly bring weakness and 
blindness on themselves. 

Feeling drawings to attend Concord and the Western Quar- 
terly Meetings, I went to Springfield, and attended their first- 
day meeting, on the 18th ; in which it appeared to me, that the 
example of faithful and upright members in the church, would 
tend to lead others into the narrow way of self-denial, and to 
keep up a defence against the inroad of error. The obligation 
parents are under, to rule their children in the authority and 
wisdom of Truth, and to apply the same kind of restraint to 
them which they are bound to live under themselves, was also 
brought to view. Where they permit wrong things in them, 
they weaken themselves, and do an injury to their offspring. 

19th. Accompanied my brother and sister Ehoads to Con- 
cord. The Select Meeting was not a very animating time, yet 
our dear friend and mother in Israel, Hannah Gibbons, had good 
service. 

20th. Was held the Quarterly Meeting for discipline. After 
some time, I felt it right to revive the apostolic injunction, 
"Believe not every spirit, but to try the spirits, whether they 
are of God ;" and to hold forth a caution, to bew r are of the 
many spirits and voices that are abroad in Christendom ; by 
which the grand enemy is seeking to allure from a steadfast sub- 
jection to the Lord Jesus, in his spiritual appearance in the 
heart. It matters nothing to Satan, by what means he can ef- 
fect this object; even if it be by engaging the children of our 



330 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

Heavenly Father, in various plans for bettering the condition 
of mankind, but in which it may not be his will they should 
engage. If we take the government of ourselves into our own 
hands, instead of bearing the cross, in doing his will, and his 
appointed work, we lose his Divine guidance ; our spiritual eye 
will become blind; and we shall grope in the dark, not know- 
ing whither we are going. Thus we shall lose the place in the 
body, which He allots, and must be cast forth as dead branches. 
Some who have begun well, and walked in the Truth for a time ; 
by un watchfulness, and gradually again giving way to their 
own wills, have at last fallen into such darkness, that they have 
done despite to the Holy Spirit, and landed in a state of entire 
unbelief. Friends were solemnly called upon to keep to Christ, 
and his inward guidance, that a growth in grace, and an estab- 
lishment on Him, the Eock of ages, may be witnessed. The 
meeting closed with solemn prayer, by Thomas Kite. 

21st. I staid at Concord to attend the Particular Meeting; 
which was small, being generally so at this time. Some service 
presented; which was followed by peace; and in the afternoon, 
I went to the Western Quarter. The Select Meeting was made 
up of a small number. They were exhorted to increased travail 
of spirit for themselves, and for the flock. The Apostle James 
adduces the answer to the prayer of Elijah for rain, after a 
drought of three years and six months, as proof that the fervent, 
effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.. And if the 
members of the church dwell under the clothing of the spirit 
of prayer, and travail for the prosperity of the cause of Christ, 
and the transformation of those not yet brought into the Truth, 
we have ground to believe that it will be answered; and the 
fruits of their exercise will gradually appear. 

23d. A pretty large company collected at the Quarterly Meet- 
ing. Two ministers were led to speak to those who were not 
occupying the gifts bestowed on them as they ought; and 
who thus occasioned mourning to the baptized members of the 
church. From the exercise and travail which prevailed, and 
the condescension of the Blessed Helper of Israel, I hoped that 
some good impressions were made ; but it is the Lord alone who 
can give the increase. The next morning I returned home. 

29th. This evening a fire occurred in the store adjoining that 
occupied by me as a warehouse, and where my brother and I 
had stored the unsold volumes of the " Friends' Library." The 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 331 

prompt exertions of the firemen prevented much injury to the 
building ; but part of the roof being burned, a large quantity 
of water was thrown in, which ruined many hundred copies of 
the Library, and some goods. Several Friends, and other fellow 
citizens, labored perseveringly to save them ; to whose efforts, is 
to be attributed the preservation of so many, as escaped damage. 
I esteemed it a favor that the whole contents of the store were 
not permitted to be burned. Had the fire occurred later in the 
night, most of the books and goods must have been destroyed. 
On returning home from the fire, to change my clothing, being- 
wet through by the water pouring down on us while passing 
the books to the lower story, the language passed through my 
mind, " Shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall 
we not receive evil;" and resignation was and has been the 
clothing of my spirit, 

Ninth month 1st. Went to Newtown Meeting ; where I was 
engaged in warning some of the danger of spending time with- 
out being employed in the great work of salvation ; and to pray 
for them, and the poor of the flock, that we might be helped, and 
kept through all, to the end. Beturned with sensations of pov- 
erty and weakness ; yet without seeing that I had done wrong 
in anything. 

2d. To-day calm and peaceful, and without condemnation ; 
and remembered as I walked the street, what Paul says. ''There 
is, therefore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ 
Jesus ; who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit;" and 
I have tried to look to Him, and to pray to Him for preservation 
herein. 

10th. My wife and myself went to our friend S. and B. N.'s, 
at Haddonfield, and lodged ; and the following morning we ac- 
companied them to Medford, where was held, at this time, Had- 
donfield Quarterly Meeting. The Select Meeting, which is much 
reduced, was a season of inward poverty ; and yet, towards 
the close, there seemed a spring of encouragement opened ; in 
which it appeared to be the Master's will that we should en- 
deavor to draw nearer to one another in spirit, and strengthen 
each other's hands for the Lord's work. He can cause one to 
chase a thousand, and two to put ten thousand to flight, if they 
are girded with his strength ; and their eye and confidence are 
directed to the Lord alone. "We dined at A. H.'s, where we had 
the company of Hinchman Haines, an honest laborer and bur- 



332 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

den-bearer in the Lord's cause ; also of several others ; and their 
conversation and solid deportment were cheering and strength- 
ening. 

12th. In the morning a large company convened at the meet- 
ing. I feared the want of individual labor for the bread of life, 
and looking for it through instrumental channels, shut up the 
spring of the ministry. H. Haines said a few words, and my 
dear wife knelt in fervent supplication on account of the want 
of spiritual exercise, in many convened. The number of true 
travaillers for the arising of Divine life, was felt to be small ; 
and the weight resting on a few, very great ; for whose help 
and steadfastness, she also petitioned the Father of Mercies. It 
was some relief; and the meeting soon afterwards proceeded to 
its business. When the business was gone through, our friend 
H. H. made some remarks on the members joining the political 
processions and exhibitions of the present day ; which he con- 
sidered to be below the dignity of men, and much more of Chris- 
tians. My mind had been under exercise on account of Friends 
mingling with those political parties and associations, and I re- 
vived the ancient testimony; "Lo! the people shall dwell alone, 
and shall not be reckoned among the nations." Whenever they 
did mix with them, they were caught in their idolatrous prac- 
tices, lost their strength, and were often overrun and overpow- 
ered by them ; because they forsook the Lord and his worship. 
And so it is with us. Those who join the political assemblies, 
lose their spiritual strength; become impregnated with their 
spirit; and, if they continue, become like fruitless branches, cut 
off from the vine ; they are dead, as to the Divine life, and the 
men of this world gather them into their fellowships, and they 
are burned or destroyed, as to any life or virtue. Friends were 
called upon to observe whether any one, let his station be what 
it may, is not crippled by thus associating in these worldly com- 
binations. Such are not alive in the Truth; and it is obvious 
to their brethren that they have lost ground ; and their example 
must have a prejudicial influence upon the younger and inexpe- 
rienced members. Several Friends united fully with what was 
said, and it apjoeared to reach some. We remained until seventh- 
day morning, and then returned home. 

Tenth month 3d. Last week I was attacked with fever ; which, 
with the remedies used, reduced me not a little. Being unac- 
customed to sickness, it brought me low in body and mind ; in 






1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 333 

which I was engaged to take a retrospect of my life ; which 
seemed much of a blank. How little appears to have been 
done, compared with the time, and the offers of best Help. Oh 
for more deep, inward abiding with the Seed of Divine life ; that 
a larger growth in the Truth, and more solid religious exercise 
and weightiness of spirit may be attained. That I may be ena- 
bled to go in and out before the flock, in such manner, as to turn 
them to Christ, and induce them to take His yoke upon them 
and follow Him. 

Eleventh month. Having had a prospect for many months of 
visiting at some period, the meetings of Friends in the northwest- 
ern parts of New York Yearly Meeting, and the present appear- 
ing to be the proper season for undertaking it, I laid the concern 
before the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, and obtained the 
unity and certificates of those meetings with it. Parting with my 
beloved wife and children ; leaving my business in the hands of 
persons of little experience, and travelling in a cold, snowy 
country in the winter, made the undertaking more trying than 
on some other occasions ; but believing it was in the ordering 
of best Wisdom, I made preparation, and with my kind and be- 
loved friend, Joseph Elkinton, an elder of the same meeting, 
set out from home on the 25th of the Eleventh month, in our 
own conveyance, and got to New York on the 27th. We made 
an attempt to put our carriage and horses on board of a steamboat 
for Hudson, but the tide was so low it was impracticable to ac- 
complish it, as the horses could not descend the bridge to the 
deck. The great hurry in landing and loading goods and produce, 
owing to the cold weather, and the fear of the navigation soon 
closing, made it difficult to get the carriage and horses on board 
the steamer; and in the attempt to accomplish it, agreeable to 
the direction of the captain, who had agreed to take them, the 
tongue of the wagon was broken, and we defeated. The de- 
tention of a day, under all the circumstances of the lateness 
of the season, was very trying to us ; especially as it was un- 
certain that we could get them up the river by the next boat. 
The 28th was a wet and dark, cloudy day, not very cheering to 
the spirit ; but through the perseverance of my companion, we 
got all on board the boat. Here we were detained three hours 
after the usual time, waiting for a loaded sloop, which he was to 
tow up ; and owing to this, the heavy deck load, and the storm 
which had prevailed through the night, the boat rocked so much, 



334 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

they were often compelled to stop the engine, for fear of break- 
ing the shaft, when a wheel would be deeply immersed ; all 
which retarded our progress, so that we did not reach Catskill 
until about one o'clock, instead of six in the morning. In the 
course of the evening, when the boat careened greatly, I sup- 
pose one of our horses slipped, and struck his foot against one 
of the sash of the forward cabin, knocking it completely in. The 
crash of the glass, and the noise he made on the deck, in recovering 
himself, gave the passengers in the cabin the idea that he was 
entirely loose, and might soon be down the stairway among 
them. The affair was rather ludicrous, and soon passed over, 
when properly understood. But all these occurrences had their 
effect upon our spirits. In the night, awaking in my berth, they 
seemed to be against me; but I was reminded of the situation 
of the Apostle Paul ; that he was a night and a day in the deep 
and this was no proof that his mission was not valid; sol en- 
deavored to keep in the faith, and press on. They had some diffi- 
culty in bringing the steamboat to the wharf at Catskill; which 
put some of the sailors in a bad humor; and everything being 
nearly covered with ice, and the ropes frozen, it was with great 
effort they got the carriage and horses landed. When on shore, 
we harnessed up, and drove out that afternoon to Grant's tav- 
ern, sixteen miles, and put up. The next day we rode to R. B.'s, 
about twenty-eight miles; she, and several of her children settled 
near her, being members. Here we had a meeting at the house of 
one of her sons, on first-day, being the first of the Twelfth month. 
It rained during the night, after our arrival, and about eight, 
o'clock in the morning, the wind changing, the rain turned to 
snow; which made everything, out of the house, look dreary, 
and doubtful as to the meeting. But more collected than Ave had 
reason to expect ; and I trust, the gospel of salvation, through 
our Lord Jesus Christ, both in his coming in the prepared body 
to do his Father's will, and by his Spirit in the heart, was 
preached among them ; showing the necessity to co-operate with 
the latter, in order to reap the full benefit of the former. Some 
were tendered. 

After dinner we set out on our journey; but the horses' shoes 
being very smooth, and the road, in places, icy and covered with 
partly melted snow, they slipped so much we made but little 
progress, and stopped at a tavern for the night, where there was 
a probability of getting the shoes sharpened. In these journey- 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 335 

ings, little difficulties are often magnified by the imagination; 
producing fears as to how we shall get through ; and whether 
we shall accomplish the work to the honor of our Holy Ke- 
deemer, and be favored to return to our dear home friends in 
safety and peace. These are trials of faith, which such poor 
unworthy pilgrims have to endure ; and doubtless the trial of 
our faith, which is more precious than gold that perisheth, is 
essentially needful to keep us humble, and to quicken our desires 
unto Him, and to the remembrance of his name. 

Twelfth month 2d. This morning the weather w T as cold, but 
when our horses were ready we set out; finding ourselves much 
relieved by their being able to take a firm hold of the ice ;. and 
in the afternoon we got to our friend H. B.'s, at Oneonta. No- 
tice was spread of our wish to have a meeting at Laurens. It 
was truly grateful to get under the roof of kind friends, in a 
land strange to us; several others came during the evening, 
with whom we conversed on subjects connected with the prin- 
ciples and order of our religious Society. Third-day went to 
the meeting in weakness, and under desire that the Master might 
be with us ; which I hope was in good degree experienced, to 
the tendering of some hearts. Fourth-day. The snow continu- 
ing upon the ground, we were furnished with a sleigh to carry 
us to Butternuts ; it being the time of their Monthly Meeting. 
Here I felt the importance of moving under right direction : 
that no advantage in any way might be taken of what was said, 
should I find it my place to communicate anything among them. 
The indispensable necessity of daily waiting upon the Lord, for 
the renewal of our spiritual strength, and to be preserved quick 
of discernment in his fear, to keep us from the temptations that 
surround us, was brought before me, and with feelings of cau- 
tion, and dependence upon the Head of the church, I rose, and 
as things gradually opened, delivered them, under a clothing of 
sincere desire for the present t and everlasting welfare of the 
people. The solemnizing presence of Him, who is in the midst 
of them who gather in his name, was felt, and I believe carried 
home to some, the truth of the doctrines preached. The need 
of submitting to the renewed baptisms of the Holy Spirit, was 
enforced, that as fruit-bearing branches, we may be prepared to 
continue to the end, in bringing forth fruit to the praise of the 
Great Husbandman. Some who had known this in their begin- 
ning, growing unwilling to come again and again under its redu- 



336 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS [1844 

cing power, and thinking themselves able to decide and act from 
their attainments, have fallen away. And the necessity of being 
fervently engaged to crave strength to yield to and bear those 
purging operations, that we may be kept as little children, re- 
lying upon the Lord day by day, was affectionately pressed upon 
Friends. 

5th. We had an appointed meeting at Otego, held in the 
house of a Friend. The company was nearly all composed of 
persons not of our Society, who conducted in a very sober man- 
ner, and to whom the gospel of salvation was preached. C. B. 
who piloted us there, exhorted the people to receive the word 
preached, and afterwards told us they were a tender-hearted 
people. Here we were met by J. T., who conducted us to his 
house, near Oneonta ; where we lodged, and next morning had 
a religious opportunity with his family. Our object in coming 
back to this neighborhood, was, to take a sleigh to perform the 
remainder of the journey, should the snow continue, leaving our 
carriage at H. B.'s ; but this day and the succeeding night, the 
weather growing warmer, the snow nearly disappeared, and we 
decided to keep to our comfortable carriage. 

7th. Accompanied by H. B. and C. B., who set out to be at 
Le Bay Quarterly Meeting. We left the house of the former, 
where we had been kindly cared for, and rode to New Berlin, 
dined and fed our horses. It rained most of the way, which 
made the ground muddy, and the travelling laborious, over the 
mountainous country to Smyrna, about thirty -four miles. After 
a tedious ride it was grateful, as night was coming on, to be 
made welcome at the house of two women Friends, who re- 
ceived and entertained us in a frank and comfortable manner. 
The weather changed ; the wind rose and blew with much vio- 
lence, and the roads froze hard that night ; making them very 
rough ; and our meeting, in consequence of the cold and snow, 
was small. I was engaged to encourage some to faithfulness, 
and to warn others against the snare of lawful things ; bv 
which the mind is often so absorbed, as to close it up against 
the Truth and its requirings. Some, who seemed like withered 
branches, were also warned of their danger, and invited to turn 
to Him whom they had forsaken. 

After dining, we set off to De Buyter, piloted by H. K. and 
his wife. Hard, rough roads, obliged us to travel slowly, and 
we did not reach the habitation of a Friend until about an hour 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 337 

after dark, by which exposure we were much chilled. But the 
hospitable Friends came out to us as soon as they found we 
were strangers, and invited us in with a promptness and earn- 
estness, which bespoke a sincere readiness to entertain us ; 
which is peculiarly agreeable to such pilgrims as we are. A 
young man was despatched to the house of a Friend, two miles 
distant, to spread notice of a meeting to be held the next morning ; 
which was done, so as to convene all their members, and some 
others. We had some religious communication in the evening, 
and hoped our visit here was in right ordering. 

9th. We went to the meeting, and through holy help, I was 
enabled to open the doctrine of christian perfection, and the 
necessity of being made and kept free from sin; that we might 
become partakers of that full redemption, which comes by Jesus 
Christ; and in the end be acknowledged by Him in the presence 
of the Father and his holy angels. We went to the house of 
a newly received member, whose wife remarked that doctrine 
was the same which persons in that neighborhood despised, and 
some despised them for holding it. That evening we rode about 
ten miles, mostly over a bad road, and lodged. 

10th. Set out early, and rode about twenty-five miles, to a 
Friend's house, near Skaneateles. Here we met a hospitable 
reception, and our guide, after taking some refreshment, went 
on foot about four miles to a Friend's house, to give information 
of a meeting, to be held the next day, at Skaneateles. There he 
got a horse and went about five miles further, by which the no- 
tice was spread generally. Before leaving our quarters, I had a 
tendering opportunity with the wife of our host, on the respon- 
sibility of her station as mother of several children, whom she 
was bound to watch over, and guard from the temptations that 
surround, as far as was in her power. If she was faithful to the 
will of God, and rightly concerned for her own salvation, I be- 
lieved she would feel a deep interest in that of her children, 
and would be led to pour forth her prayers and her tears before 
the Lord, that He would lay his Divine hand upon them, and 
bless and preserve them. We then went to meeting where we 
met a little company ; towards w T hom my mind was drawn in 
affectionate desire for their best welfare. The testimony that, 
" G-odliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the 
life that now is, and of that which is to come," was brought 
before me; and I was led to show that the promise of this life, 



338 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844 

and of that which is to come, is to no other state or condition. 
That wealth cannot purchase it, but is often possessed where 
there is neither happiness here, nor good ground to hope for it 
hereafter. The uncertainty of riches was also pointed out ; 
even where they were pulling down and building greater ac- 
commodations for their goods, but that the awful language 
might be sounded in the ear, " Thou fool, this night thy soul 
shall be required of thee, then whose shall all those things be 
which thou hast provided." The Master helped me to preach 
the gospel with convincing force, and some worldly-minded ones 
were brought to tears. I felt humbly thankful for his conde- 
scension and goodness to them and to myself. We dined in the 
village, and went about fourteen miles, on our way to North 
Street Scipio Meeting, and next day, which was their Prepara- 
tive Meeting, we went to it. Here I was led to treat on the 
great importance of having our hearts imbued with love to 
G-od, and love to one another, especially as we were approach- 
ing old age, and according to the natural course, must soon 
leave everything here below. In heaven there is nothing in- 
consistent with holy harmony and love, and hence the necessity 
of knowing this to prevail and predominate in our hearts over 
everything else. Though it will not lead us to unite with 
wrong things, yet it will lead us to desire that those w T ho have 
got wrong, may be convinced of their error, and reclaimed. 
The want of spiritual discernment among us, was alluded to, 
which attends and arises from the inordinate love and pursuit 
of the things of this world. But I believed the Lord would lay 
his hand upon this people, and restore it, and make a division 
in their view between the precious and the vile ; and a body 
would again be raised up, who should stand for the doctrines and 
testimonies of the gospel, which He called our forefathers to 
bear. Christ Jesus is the Head of the true church, and can 
alone fit us for membership in it. It is his prerogative to ap- 
point the place for the members in his mystical body; and if 
any one refuses to submit to his preparing hand, they cannot 
be initiated ; and if after being made members, they resume the 
government of themselves, leave the function which He allotted 
them, and undertake to do something else, they will lose that 
Divine life which flows from Him into every member; however 
plausible the object they may engage in. " Abide in me, and I in 
you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 339 

in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me. He that 
abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. 
If a man abide not in me, be is cast forth as a branch, and is 
withered ; and men gather them and cast them into the fire, and 
they are burned." I thought the doctrine was not acceptable 
to some ; but felt peaceful in leaving it with them. AYe dined 
at H. H.'s, who kindly offered to keep our horses, and take us 
in his carriage to Scipio, the next day. Lodged at our friends 
Joseph and Sarah Talcott's and passed the evening in agreeable 
conversation, respecting many things connected with the cause 
of righteousness ; particularly the declining state of our reli- 
gious Society. 

13th. In the morning we had a tendering opportunity with 
the old Friends, two of their children, and a grandson. Towards 
the younger Friends, my mind was affectionately drawn, that 
they might be brought to yield to the will of their Heavenly 
Father, take up the cross, and openly confess Christ before men. 
Rode four miles to Scipio, which was a large meeting, being 
held by appointment. I felt low and empty, but after a time, 
I believed it right to rise with the expression, that true reli- 
gion was not an outside thing, which we could take upon our- 
selves when we pleased ; nor was it to be put off, according to 
the company or the circumstances in which we might be placed. 
Our Lord commanded his disciples, to let their yea be yea, and 
their nay. nay. They were not to say yea, when they meant 
nay. And when He sent them forth, He commanded them, not 
take two coats apiece. They were not to wear one coat or ap- 
pearance in one company, and another in different company. 
Many things were opened by the good Remembrancer, without 
whom we can do nothing ; especially the doctrine of the uni- 
versality of Divine grace, and the impossibility without it, of 
truly seeing and feeling our lost condition, sunk in the pit of 
sin and corruption. Christ alone by his Divine and saving 
light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, 
can give us a true sight and sense of this state, and raise in us 
the cry, " A Saviour or I die ; a Redeemer or I perish forever." 
At seasons He visits the soul for this purpose, and if it resists 
not, He will lift it out of its lost state, and restore man into the 
Divine image. I was humbly bowed for the present favor ; and 
thanksgiving, and prayer for continued preservation, were vocally 
offered to the Father of all our sure mercies. Returned to II. 



340 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

H.'s, and after dining, his son, took us in their carnage to Union 
Springs, about eight miles north / where we had an appointed 
meeting with the few Friends residing there ; held at the house 
of an aged Friend, where they generally convene on first and 
fifth-day, for the purpose of Divine worship. I endeavored to 
discharge myself under affectionate desires for the present and 
everlasting welfare of those who were assembled ; and though 
some tears were shed, yet I feared the impression might be of 
but short duration. 

14th. Snow fell this morning very fast, but getting an early 
breakfast, we rode down Cayuga Lake to Aurora, where we 
were met by our carriage and horses, which we resumed and 
proceeded on our way to Hector. By the time we reached 
the ferry, we found little snow remaining, and after waiting 
three-fourths of an hour, for the ferryman, who was on the op- 
posite shore when we arrived, we got under way ; but a directly 
head wind, a horse boat with little power, and an expanse of 
water three miles in width, kept us nearly two hours getting 
to the opposite shore. The road being pretty good, we drove 
to A. K. O.'s in about three hours, and were kindly received and 
entertained. 

15th. Attended their first-day meeting, which gathered very 
irregularly, and was a very trying time to me. The spirit 
of unbelief, arising from a departure from the true and living 
God, and becoming involved in sin and wickedness, appeared to 
me to have taken possession of some ; with which I had a fight 
of affliction, without seeming to gain much ascendency. I was 
led to speak of the progress of iniquity, how one violation of 
the Divine law makes way for another; that hardness of heart 
ensues, and finally some lose their reputation among men. Yery 
little relief was obtained, and I left them, covered with sadness, 
and wondering whether I was mistaken in what I had said. 
In the afternoon, having our friend A. K. O. as guide, we rode 
to Ovid, nineteen miles, and put up at an inn, snow falling pretty 
fast most of the way. In the course of conversation through 
the evening;, A. K. O. informed us of some circumstances, of a 

o' ' 

very dark and shocking character, which seemed to explain the 
cause of my difficulty and distress in their meeting. This gave 
me relief; and hope sprung up that, according to the condition 
cf the people, the Master would baptize us ; and thereby pre- 
vent us from crying peace when there is none ; and if this is 






1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 341 

mercifully the case, though suffering is my lot, there is no just 
cause for doubting that the present engagement is in his or- 
dering. 

16th. We rose early, and rode down the eastern bank of 
Seneca Lake to Geneva, a flourishing town, near the outlet of 
this body of water. The wind blew strong and cold across the 
lake, and snow almost constantly falling, made the ride dreary 
and wintry in its influence upon us. At another season of the 
year, and under different circumstances from ours, the country 
and the scenery must be delightful. Judging from the fine and 
expensive buildings, which many farmers erect in this part of 
JSTew York, the country must be very fertile, and the people 
prosperous. But some go beyond their own means, and em- 
barrass themselves and others, in their pecuniary- transactions. 
The great press after wealth, and the inordinate pursuit of trade 
to acquire it, absorb their time and all their energies ; so that a 
life of self-denial and devotedness to the will of God, revealed 
in the heart, is too little known by the great mass of professing 
Christians. Where a worldly spirit predominates, religion is 
but little thought of, and the way is open to pride, and spend- 
ing time, when not engaged in commerce, in a way dissipating 
to the mind, and displeasing to our Almighty Creator. Many 
in our religious Society are caught with the love of money, and 
become covered with the lust of the world, as with thick clay. 
Thus our religious meetings are often places of much suffering, 
to the self-denying Christian, instead of comfort, strength and 
rejoicing. This discourages the sincere-hearted, and turns the 
young people out of the right way. When will the Lord arise 
in his power, and not only shake the heavens, but the earth 
also, in order that those things which are shaken may be re- 
moved out of the way, and those which cannot be shaken may 
remain. 

After a ride of forty-oi>e miles, we reached J. E.'s, and lodg- 
ed. We proposed holding a meeting next day at Palmyra, 
which we found some difficulty in bringing about ; and some of 
the members, we had reason to think, did not hear of it. 

The meeting held on the 17th, was small and distressing ; but 
I endeavored to discharge my duty towards some who were 
swallowed up in the world, and had brought difficulties on them- 
selves and others ; and the spirit of supplication being poured 
out, I was enabled to pray for the poor of the flock, who desired 
23 



342 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

to be found in the right way ; and that the Lord would not 
take his Spirit from us, but go with and preserve us in the work 
to which He hath appointed us. This afforded me some relief. 
After dining, we rode about four miles to H. P.'s ; snow falling 
and accumulating ; which gives ever} 7 thing a dreary aspect, and 
produces apprehensions of our being unable to get through 
with the carriage. But I endeavor to cast my care upon the 
Lord. We passed the time pleasantly under the roof of this 
kind Friend and his wife, with, I hope, some profit and strength 
to them, as well as comfort to ourselves. 

18th. Attended Mardon Preparative Meeting ; which was a 
more relieving time than some others ; and in the afternoon we 
parted from our kind friends, and rode to J. L.'s, within Farm- 
ington Preparative Meeting. This Friend, who came into the 
country at an early age, and has seen the direful effects of ar- 
dent spirits upon many around him, gave us some account of 
the change that has taken place in that respect since his arrival. 
He seemed much interested in promoting the cause of temper- 
ance ; which, as far as we can do by precept and example, with- 
out mingling, in an improper manner, with persons not of our 
religious profession, it is very important we should promote. I 
gave him an account of the difference of practice which now 
prevailed within our Yearly Meeting, in the use of fermented 
drinks, which were nearly discarded, and water used as the 
common beverage. 

19th. Was at the meeting of Farmington. composed chiefly 
of Friends, who are warm and active advocates for the freedom 
of the colored people, and of the total disuse of ardent spirits. 
They spend much time in discussing these topics; lecturing 
upon them, and attending meetings held for the purpose. There 
is reason to fear, that dwelling almost exclusively upon these 
subjects, there is a danger of getting from under the govern- 
ment of Truth ; and that daily exercise of mind, which is neces- 
sary for our spiritual growth ; in which the voice of the true 
Shepherd is heard, and we are led along by Him in the way 
and work which He allots to the various members of his church. 
After a time of silent waiting upon the Lord, who only knows 
the states of the people, and what is proper for them, I was led 
to open the necessity of being really brought into the dispensa- 
tion of the gospel; in which we come to know Christ to be the 
Captain of our salvation ; clothing us with his invincible ar- 



1844.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



343 



mor, and making us victorious over the man of sin and son of 
perdition, in ourselves. He is given for G-od's salvation to the 
ends of the earth, and He will not give his glory to another, 
nor his praise to any graven image, or substitute of man's devi- 
sing. He alone can give lost man a true sense of his condition ; 
in which state he is spiritually dead, and can no more bring 
himself to a correct feeling of his condition, until he is quick- 
ened by Him who is the resurrection and the life, than a dead 
body can feel or perceive its state. The Truth was exalted 
over all- the specious devices of man ; and I had comfort in the 
evidence that the blessed Helper of his people, enabled me to 
discharge myself of what He required. 

20th. Had an appointed meeting at Eochester, which was 
pretty well attended; and some plain truths were delivered 
among them ; under a sincere desire that those who had got 
wrong might be brought to see their condition, and through 
the pardoning mercy of Him who came to seek and to save that 
which is lost, be reclaimed and restored to their right mind; 
and that humble state be experienced, in which they could wash 
the Master's feet with their tears, and wipe them, as the poor 
woman formerly, with the hairs of their head. 

Left Eochester after our horses had been fed, and reached our 
friend B. B.'s, a little before night. 

22d. We were at their first-day meeting, which collected 
very irregularly ; perhaps owing to persons of other persuasions 
coming in. It was a long time before we could come at any 
thing like quiet settlement. But the way opened at last to 
treat on the nature of inward, spiritual worship; which is not 
performed through a dependence upon man, but upon Christ 
Jesus, the Minister of the sanctuary ; who appears in the midst 
of those that are gathered in his name, and ministers to their 
states, enabling them to offer acceptable sacrifices to God, by 
and through Him. The doctrine of the gospel, that we must be 
made free from sin ; and the dangerous consequence of supposing 
that we may continue in sin with impunity, because Christ suf- 
fered for our sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring 
us to G-od, was brought to view. It seemed to me, there were 
those present, who regarded the doctrine with some surprise, 
and doubted its practicability. The meeting afforded but little 
relief. How many nominal, outside professors and worshippers 
there are, who are blind to the real nature of the gospel dispen- 



344 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

sation, and the holiness which it requires. If they go to "meet- 
ing once or twice a week, and profess faith in Christ, as their 
surety against the wrath to come, a great proportion live in the 
gratification of their carnal appetites, without thinking of the 
necessity of denying themselves, taking up their cross daily, and 
following Christ in the way in which He would lead. Alas ! 
what will such a dead, formal religion avail, which leaves the 
heart unchanged, and can furnish no substantial ground upon 
which to rest a hope of everlasting life. 

In the morning, I had a religious opportunity in the family ; 
in which we were much broken together, under a precious sense 
of the Lord's goodness in providing for us in our pilgrimage 
through this country; separated from our nearest connections, 
at home; and in which, the kindness of Friends in conducting us 
from place to place, and the unity of those who sincerely love the 
Truth, were felt and acknowledged. The language of encourage- 
ment flowed to some present, to maintain their ground in faith- 
fully adhering to the Truth ; and to the children, to take coun- 
sel of their parents, both in relation to their dress, and the 
company they should keep. In the evening, some Friends 
called to see us ; and after spending part of it in social converse, 
we fell into silence, and I was engaged to draw their attention 
to the degeneracy that has overtaken our religious Society, and 
to the necessity of individual faithfulness; both in a daily tra- 
rail of spirit for their own advancement in the Divine life, and 
in the discharge of their duties in the support of the discipline, 
and the various testimonies Friends are called to bear. 

23d. It commenced raining early, and continued most of the 
morning. We set out for Elba, having our friend B. E. to pilot 
us. The travelling was slavish to the horses, and very uncom- 
fortable to us ; the wind being chilling, and the snow driving 
in upon us. We stopped in Batavia, dined with E. E., and 
leaving word of our intention to hold a meeting the next day at 
Elba, rode there in the afternoon. 

24th. Attended the meeting ; in which I believe the Master 
introduced me into a sense of the states of some, and qualified 
to labor with some who were living in creaturely indulgences ; 
and others, who I feared, were despising the Truth ; while their 
conduct and conversation were far from that purity which per- 
tains to the gospel dispensation, and without which no man can 
see the Lord. Faithful, fervent labor was extended ; and hum- 



18-44.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 345 

ble supplication offered, to the Father of mercies, for some, that 
they might be brought into the vineyard to labor ; even if it 
might be at the eleventh hour of the day. Also for a remnant 
who mourn over the degeneracy among them ; and for the 
young people, that the Lord would lay his hand again and again 
upon them, and bring them into his fold, that they may stand 
for his cause in that place. Scarcely a single one among them 
looked like a Friend's child, and I was afraid some of the older 
ones cared little about it. In the afternoon we rode to Shelby, 
seventeen miles. Part of the road was hard dragging through 
the snow, which was a little frozen. This renewed our fears 
of difficulty in getting on, if we should find the snow deep ; but 
we try to keep hold of faith, that way will be made for us ; 
having great cause of thankfulness that the Lord has helped us 
hitherto. A[ay we be humbled before Him ; wait upon Him 
dail}', for the renewal of our strength ; and may He keep us in- 
ward in spirit, watching our thoughts, words and actions, that 
the Truth may not be evilly spoken of on our account. 

We were kindly received at Shelby, and comfortably accom- 
modated. The female head of the family appears to be a reli- 
giously exercised Friend; and concerned about the course 
pursued by some, in lecturing to mixed companies upon slavery, 
and encouraging their children to go to such meetings ; some- 
times leaving their own meetings for worship to attend them. 
What unsettlement has been produced in some neighborhoods, 
among Friends, by the leaders of the people joining with others, 
in their political, abolition, or other meetings. 

25th. The meeting at Shelby was small. After a time of 
waiting in silence, I believed it right to say, there was such a 
thing as Christ being pressed down in the hearts of men, as a 
cart is pressed under sheaves ; and those who are his faithful 
followers, must be willing to suffer with Him. The Apostle 
said that he partook of the sufferings of Christ, that remained 
to be filled up for the bodies' sake, which is the church. And 
Christ said, it is enough for the disciple to be as his master, and 
the servant as his lord ; if they have called the master of the house 
Beelzebub, how much more will they call them of his household. 
But if we are planted together in the likeness of his death, we 
shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection ; and be raised 
up to walk in newness of life. This doctrine may be called 
mysticism by the carnally minded, who rely on their own wis- 



846 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

dom and strength, and are unwilling to submit to be baptized 
with Christ in his sufferings, and therefore they reject it. I was 
enabled to show that there is no other way to be made members 
of his church, nor to be preserved alive in the Truth, but by 
thus submitting to his dispensations. At the close of the meet- 
ing, I felt clear of those who were present, and peaceful in my 
own mind. 

After dining, we went to Hartland, twelve miles, and put up 
with kind Friends. Information was spread of our intention to 
be at their meeting next day, and a messenger was sent to Som- 
erset, to have notice spread of a meeting there, in the afternoon, 
at three o'clock; both of which we attended on the 26th. 
Some qualification was given in them to labor to strengthen the 
things that remain, that are ready to die; and to encourage 
those in whose hearts the Lord is at work, to be faithful to Him, 
and patiently endure his dispensations ; by which his servants 
are prepared for his use. And even where a single individual 
is thus fitted, like Deborah, who arose a mother in Israel, they 
often have an important influence in leading others in the right 
way of the Lord, and in the government of the church. We 
rode back to Hartland, part of the way through a wet, logged 
road, which was cut in many places into deep holes ; not reach- 
ing our quarters until darkness made some part of the ride 
hazardous ; but we were favored to get through without acci- 
dent. 

27th. After a religious opportunity with the Friends, we set 
out for Lockport, to attend a meeting appointed there for us. 
The company was one of the smallest we had yet sat with. I 
felt empty of everything like a qualification in myself to minis- 
ter to any one ; but after a time, the parable of the sower who 
went out to sow, presented; showing various obstructions to 
the growth of the seed; and under the humbling, tendering 
power of Truth, I was enabled to hold forth a warning to those 
who had known the good seed to spring up, and bear some 
fruit, lest other things entering into their hearts, it should be- 
come choked, and bring no more fruit to perfection. 

28th. We got an early start for Hamburgh, about forty-two 
miles. In some places the ground was frozen very rough ; 
having been much tramped up ; which made travelling tedious. 
Our course lay along the canal; Tonawanda Creek, which we 
crossed ; and thence by the side of the railroad to Buffalo. Here 



1844.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 347 

I had the first view of the Niagara Kiver; in which are the 
grand falls ; of the shore belonging to a foreign nation, and the 
outlet of one of the great lakes, for which North America is cele- 
brated. It inspired peculiar feelings, arising from the grandeur 
of the scenery, and the wonderful efforts which man is making 
to turn the produce and trade of distant States into these inland 
seas, and thence through the enterprising State of New York, to 
its metropolis. The great destruction of human life at Buffalo, 
some time since, occasioned by a high wind blowing over the 
lake, and driving the water up Buffalo Creek to such a height as 
to drown a large number of people in their houses, and to cause 
the destruction of much property, cast a shade for a time over 
the prosperity of the place; and proved how suddenly, He who 
holds the power in his hands, can arrest man in his career, and' 
bring a blast over his proud attempts to aggrandize himself. 
We stopped here with S. C, and after taking some refreshment, 
proceeded to Hamburg, which we reached about dusk, and put 
up with a Friend. 

29th. We attended the first-day meeting. My mind was 
saluted with the language of our Saviour to the Samaritan wo- 
man, "Ye worship ye know not what;" accompanied with the 
sense, that there was a want in some, of that knowledge of the 
Father and the Son, which is life eternal. Also Paul's address 
to the Athenians, presented, that as he passed by and beheld 
their devotions, he found an altar, with the inscription, "To 
the unknown God." The life of religion being almost extinct in 
many, and perhaps altogether so in some, I was kept low with 
it; and administered in plainness what opened upon my mind. 
Having twenty miles to ride to the next meeting, we got im- 
mediately into our carriage, and rode to Collins, and put up 
with a Friend. He soon despatched a young man with notice 
for a meeting in the morning, and we passed the evening in his 
humble cottage, in cheerful conversation, and peaceful feelings. 
From what I afterwards heard, there was great cause for our 
distressing feelings at Hamburg. 

30th. The morning was stormy, but a pretty large number 
convened ; among whom were more exercised Friends than we 
meet with in some places. This was encouraging ; yet it felt 
to me there was need in others, to experience the cleansing 
power j)f Divine grace in their hearts ; that they might show 
forth its efficacy in their lives and conduct, and thereby invite 



348 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1844. 

others into the path of purity; instead of being stumbling- 
blocks to sincere inquirers, and leading the young people from 
the flock of Christ's companions. He is not a Jew, who is one 
outwardly, but he is a Jew who is one inwardly ; and circumci- 
sion is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter, whose 
praise is not of men but of God. For want of being really, what 
some desired to be thought by others, the way of Truth had 
been evilly spoken of, through their corrupt practices ; and thus 
the cause had suffered. I was distressed, when the meeting 
was over, from having such things to communicate, fearing lest 
I might be mistaken ; it is so much more agreeable to be em- 
ployed in drawing the children to Christ, and in comforting the 
afflicted and mourning ones, because of the desolations of Zion. 
Afterwards an exercised Friend said, that now it was over, 
she would say, that their condition had been truly described; 
and she wished that it might have the proper effect. It was 
pleasant to have the company of a few honest-hearted Friends 
at our lodgings ; who were also cheered with having an 
opportunity of mingling with Friends from other parts, who 
speak a language which they understand, and which goes to 
strengthen them ; and shows that they are not mistaken in their 
exercises ; and that the children of our Heavenly Father have 
similar baptisms to pass through in their various allotments. 

31st. Went to Clear Creek, and attended the meeting appoint- 
ed for me ; which was slow in gathering, and thereby disturbed 
and unsettled by persons coming in late. It was another labor- 
ious opportunity; many manifesting indifference. I felt pecu- 
liar interest in a state present, which I believed was hungering 
and thirsting for something to satisfy the longings of an immor- 
tal soul ; and to whom the invitation was extended, to come 
unto Christ, who was secretly begetting these desires, and 
bringing in his or her view a cloud over the things of this world. 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 349 

CHAPTEE XYII. 

Continuation of Visit in New York State. 

1845. 

1845, First month 1st. This morning we rose early, and set out 
to visit a small meeting at Elleiy, about forty-five miles south- 
west ; but after riding five miles through a woody country, we 
found the road so covered with ice — the snow having melted 
and then frozen, that we we were unable to proceed with safe- 
ty. The great descents and ascents on the hills, made it dan- 
gerous to attempt to pass over them in our carriage ; which 
would slide from side to side on these narrow, rounding roads, 
and render us liable to overturn, or be thrown off them ; and 
which would be likely to increase as we got to a more mountainous 
country : feeling easy to omit the meeting, we returned to the 
house where we had left our baggage. Thence we proceeded to 
Buffalo, where we reached about dusk; and after supper, had a 
meeting at the house of our friend S. C, with about twenty per- 
sons ; who were mostly members, but whose appearance gave 
little indication of it. The Lord granted ability to minister to 
their states, and the spirit of supplication to intercede for those 
who were endeavoring to walk in the right way ; that his power 
might be manifested to sustain them, and renew their faith 
when reduced and proven ; and that the young persons 
might become enamored with the Truth, and drawn from the 
delusive gratifications of this vain and transitory world. This 
opportunity was relieving ; and induced the hope, from the feel- 
ings of peace, that I was not forsaken ; for after passing through 
what I had for several days, and the necessity to turn back from 
Ellery ; I began to fear lest I was mistaken in proceeding, and 
home and my beloved family being brought very near, in affec- 
tionate recollection ; the thought presented, whether I had not 
better turn homeward. But the next morning, it seemed pro- 
per to pursue my original prospect of going into Canada ; and 
after getting a clearance from the customs officer, which detain- 
ed us some time, we crossed the Niagara Biver; and the officer 
there making no difficulty, we rode nineteen miles on our way 



350 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

to Pelham, and put up our horses to feed near the gieat falls. 
Here we had a fine view of this stupendous cataract. The whole 
body of a great river, the outlet to these inland seas, which lie 
to the west and north-west, pouring over a breastwork nearly 
two hundred feet high, of massive stone, and in width about one 
mile. The rushing and roar of this mighty torrent, the foam 
and spray, created by its dashing on the rocks below; the for- 
mation of a perfect rainbow by the rays of light decomposed in 
the vapor, constantly rising and falling again like a thick shower 
of fine rain; and also the foam and vapor and rainbow colors 
mingled together, in the various parts of the cascade, pre- 
sented one of the grandest scenes that I had ever beheld. It 
far exceeded my imagination of it ; and to me, it was surpris- 
ing, that any one could turn from it with disappointment ; but 
as magnificent and overpowering as are these extraordinary falls 
of water, they are an atom in the great works of the Almighty 
Creator. 

We were late getting to a Friend's house at Pelham ; having 
ridden fourteen miles after four o'clock ; part of the way along 
the Well and Canal, which connects Lakes Erie and Ontario ; 
and night coming on, made the road in some places difficult and 
dangerous. It was a great relief to us to be overtaken by a 
kind Friend, who supposing from our carriage that we were 
Friends, rode up to our guide, and ascertaining who we were, 
piloted us to his house. 

3d. Had an appointed meeting at Pelham ; in which the 
call and qualification for the ministry, and the preparation re- 
quisite for the reception of this and all the diversified gifts 
which the great Head of the church dispenses to those who 
yield to his sanctifying power, came before me ; and which, 
after a time of silent waiting, I believed it right to open. After 
our Saviour commissioned his disciples to teach all nations, 
He directed them to tarry at Jerusalem until they were endued 
with power from on high. Paul, speaking of his ministry, says 
"He neither received it of man, neither was he taught it but 
by the revelation of Jesus Christ ;" and there remains to be no 
other source for the work of the ministry, down to the present 
day. This was the experience of Friends from the beginning, 
who were brought off from all dependence on themselves, or 
on any man, to wait upon the Lord ; from whom they received 
gifts for the ministry, and for judging in Israel, to discern and 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 351 

try words and spirits. It was not a time of abounding. The 
meeting appeared to be in rather a languishing state ; the mem- 
bers, I feared, depending too much on vocal ministry. They were 
exhorted to gather to the Divine gift in themselves, that they 
might receive ability to worship the Father in spirit and in truth, 
and to partake of that food which the Son of Man will give. 

Being detained that afternoon by the stormy weather, I had 
some serious conversation with the Friend at whose house we 
stopped. He expressed much concern at the state of the Society 
among them; particularly on account of ministers encouraging 
a coalition with other professors ; speaking lightly of some of 
the testimonies held by us; and of our early Friends, as having 
been contracted and illiberal. I encouraged him to keep to the 
ancient ground ; for I believed that all such defective members 
would finally show more clearly, that they were destitute of the 
life and substance of religion. This is one means by which the 
growth of our Society is greatly obstructed ; the young people, 
who are in the air, being delighted with such sentiments; w^hich 
make way for them to indulge in the corrupt fashions and lan- 
guage of the world; and to mingle with others, until they lose 
all relish for serious things, and for their own religious Society ; 
whose principles they judge to be too strict for them. 

4th. We rode to Stony Creek, and lodged at a tavern. Next 
morning rose early, and went seven miles to Hamilton, at the 
head of Lake Ontario, to breakfast ; and about two o'clock got 
to O. Ws, at the Jersey settlement. He and his wife, and one 
son remain members, the rest having left the Society. They 
are thirty-two miles from Norwich, to which meeting they be- 
long; which shows the disadvantage of members settling them- 
selves, so as to be out of reach of meetings and the company of 
their friends. We found it had been a stopping place for many 
of our English Friends, passing through, and for others travel- 
ling in the work of the ministry ; but, it is affecting to find 
members located where they, with a rising family, are deprived 
of the advantages of religious society. 

Notice being spread, a pretty large number of the neighbors 
collected, in the evening, with whom we held a religious meet- 
ing. For a time I labored along with difficulty, but at length 
Truth arose, and qualified to set before them the importance of 
being true believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and the danger of 
resting in a mere historical belief, without knowing Him to save 



352 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

us from our sins. Those who had known the shedding abroad 
of Divine love, tendering their hearts, convicting them of sin, 
and bringing them under the baptism of repentance, were warned 
of the danger of resting in the conclusion that they had now 
obtained religion ; and when the Messenger of the covenant ap- 
pears as a refiner's fire, and as a fuller with soap, further to 
purify them, turn away, apprehending they are already re- 
generated ; and thus fall short of that perfect redemption, and 
growth from stature to stature in Christ, which makes the true 
Christian. The opportunity was closed with prayer to the 
Father of Mercies, for his continued goodness in visiting the 
souls which He has made; reviving the work in the midst of 
the years of some, and granting preservation and strength to 
perform our duty to Him and to one another. I thought some 
of the company were brought under serious feelings, from the 
manner in which they spoke with us ; which I found afterwards 
to be the case. 

6th. This morning we set out for Norwich, but had not pro- 
ceeded far, before one of the iron axletrees broke in the middle, 
and the carriage being on a long, steep hill, up which I was 
walking, I could not make my companion hear until the wheel 
was completely separated from the under works; tearing away 
part of the frame, and the wood work on the axletree. "We took off 
the body, and put a drag under the end of the broken axle ; se- 
cured our baggage upon it to return to O. W.'s, but as my com- 
panion was driving the horses down this steep, icy hill, finding 
their shoes too smooth to hold back, they ran down so fast as 
to throw him down, and being obliged to let go the lines to save 
himself from being thrown over the precipitous side of the hill, 
they went off with full speed through the woods, and striking 
a stump or two, broke one of the fore wheels to pieces, and so 
shattered the remainder, that at first sight, we doubted whether 
it would be worth attempting to have it repaired.* The horses 
were stopped after running, perhaps, an eighth of a mile, by a 
man working near the road, or they would probably have ruined 
themselves among the trees and high stumps. Our situation, as 
we walked up the corresponding hill, out of the valley, to see 
what had become of them, felt discouraging; yet in the midst 
of our troubles, it was cause of thankfulness that we were pre- 
served from serious injury. After viewing the ruins, we became 
more composed ; procured a man with his wagon to carry the 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 353 

wreck back to O. W.'s, and thence sent to a carriage-maker; 
who said it could be repaired in a few days, while we were gone 
to Norwich ; and our friends were very kind, doing everything 
for us they could. 

7th. Two persons agreeing to drive us to Norwich, in a 
lumber wagon, our runaway horses were put to it, and we 
reached Wm. B.'s, near the meeting-house before dark; having 
ridden thirty-two miles, about half of it in a driving snow, 
which, in an open conveyance, was an unusual exposure to us ; 
but we did not suffer much inconvenience. The company of 
consistent Friends who are interested in the welfare of our So- 
ciety, had a cheering effect, after our disaster, and we passed 
the evening in suitable conversation. But the wormwood and 
the gall would come up in remembrance, and in the night sea- 
son I tried to cry to the Lord for an evidence that I was in my 
right place ; but his face seemed to be hid from me ; and I 
hoped it was a dispensation for my renewed humiliation, which 
in time would be followed with good. It seemed like the chas- 
tising rod : perhaps I had grown a little too easy, after some of 
the helping seasons I had been favored with. 

8th. Went to meeting, which is perhaps the largest country 
meeting in this Yearly Meeting. I felt poor, and fearful of be- 
ing wrong or doing wrong ; but strove to look up to the Master, 
and to wait upon Him for direction. Two states were brought 
before me ; one a low, suffering seed, not numerous, but who 
were endeavoring to fill up their measure of duty, and whom 
the Lord qualified to behold the gradual lapse of some from the 
Truth, and what they had once known of it, and who mourned 
over such. The other, one that is sunk in the earth, exerting 
every faculty and energy to acquire property; by which their 
time and thoughts are absorbed; so that the work of salvation, 
the necessary daily, spiritual food for the immortal soul, and a 
deep and living concern for the education of their children in 
the fear of the Lord are overlooked ; and the lambs entrusted to- 
their care are suffered to run at large, entering into various kinds 
of society, and into the corrupt practices of the world. After 
a time it appeared proper to open these views, which I did in 
weakness and fear ; the enemy doubtless striving to hinder the 
work by his suggestions that I was deserted, and all I could say 
would do no good. But I kept patient and low, and spoke as 
things gradually arose ; and after a time, the Lord in mercy 



354 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845 

touched our hearts with the finger of his love and tendering power, 
and brought us to tears ; giving me a renewed sense of my 
nothingness and inability to do anything without Him ; and his 
compassionate goodness was felt so as to affect many of us, and 
to carry conviction home to others. My soul humbly bowed in 
reverence and thankfulness before Him. The business of the 
Monthly Meeting was transacted, I had no doubt, on the part 
of not a few, under a sincere concern that it should be rightly 
managed. I feared, however, they were too easy in receiving 
persons into membership, and I mentioned, it was easier to in- 
crease a nation, than to increase its joy and strength. My 
companion was afterwards told, that the condition of the meet- 
ing was remarkably described. So that we have cause to trust 
in the Lord at all times, keeping a single eye to, and closely fol- 
lowing his leadings, though in fear and weakness. After dining, 
we set out on our way back to a Friend's house, five miles ; called 
on M. P., a minister and a widow with eight children ; with 
whom we had a religious opportunity, encouraging them to be 
faithful to the Truth, and the Lord would be a father to them 
and preserve them ; which brought them to tenderness and tears. 

9th. We returned to O. W.'s and found our carriage repaired. 
The next morning, after a sitting with the family, from whom 
we had received much kindness and attention, we set out on our 
journey towards the north side of Lake Ontario ; and after dark 
reached the house of an English family, part of which belongs 
to our religious Society. Here we lodged, and were brought 
into sympathy with them on account of some keen afflictions 
which they had been passing through. 

11th. This morning, after they had read a chapter, at the 
breakfast table, of which I was glad to find them in thepractice, 
I believed it right to say that all the dispensations of Divine 
Providence are in inscrutable wisdom, and tend to hide pride 
from man. Some trials we bring on ourselves, and some are 
brought upon us by others ; and I exhorted them, under their 
afflictions, to humble themselves before their Heavenly Father ; 
inquiring of Him what is his will concerning them in these 
things, and applying to Him for the help of his Spirit, to profit 
by them. The ride along the lake was rather dreary, through 
fields of stumps, dead trees, and forests of growing timber; 
which made the sight of a busy town, as we approached Toronto, 
quite cheering. It seemed like coming into the civilized and 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 355 

habitable parts of the earth once more ; and after turning into 
Yonge Street, we were surprised at the cultivated land, and the 
great number of good buildings, thickly strewed along this fine 
road. We put up for the night, at a tavern, nine miles from the 
city, where we had excellent provision for ourselves and horses. 
Requesting an early breakfast, we rose between five *and six 
o'clock, and a little before seven were in our carriages ; having 
twenty miles to ride to Yonge Street Meeting ; which we ac- 
complished with ease, the road being smooth and frozen hard. 

12th. First-day took some refreshment at a Friend's, near 
the meeting-house, and then went to the meeting ; which was 
not large. The Master gave the word, and the states of some 
were ministered to ; in which I had peace. Speaking of the 
effect which submission to the Spirit of Christ would produce, 
in separating man from the love of his worldly possessions, I 
mentioned h*>w much quarrelling about property would be 
avoided ; every one being willing to suffer, rather than do wrong- 
to another ; looking upon themselves, like the early Christians, 
as stewards of their earthly substance ; willing to appropriate 
it to relieve the necessities of others, after providing for them- 
selves and their families. The Friend with whom we staid said 
one man at meeting would understand, at least, a part of the 
communication ; being of a family much given to contention 
about their inheritance. Being altogether strangers to every- 
body here, it was confirming that the Lord still condescended to 
help us, his poor dependent servants, from his sanctuary. We 
lodged with the Friend at whose house we called. 

13th and 14th. We had appointed meetings at Whitchurch 
and Tecumseh ; in which I endeavored to do what appeared to 
be required. They were both small meetings, yet the houses 
were nearly filled ; and though considerable part of the assem- 
bly were not Friends, they sat with becoming seriousness and 
quiet. In the latter meeting, I was particularly engaged to 
speak on the many trials and afflictions which overtake us in 
this life ; and it being rather unusual for me to dwell so decid- 
edly upon that subject, I mentioned that I did not know there 
were any present under peculiar trial, but if there were, I 
wished such to profit by them, and be instructed in the great 
instability of earthly possessions. In supplication to the Fa- 
ther of mercies, I was led to petition that the everlasting arms 
might be underneath; to sustain those who are in affliction, 



356 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1845. 



and that their faith might be renewed in Him. The Friend 
who took us to the meeting, told us, as we were riding back to 
his house, that two or three days before, a person intoxicated, 
attempted to commit personal injury upon an industrious, or- 
derly young man ; and also had threatened to burn down the 
outbuildings on his farm, which he had made some effort to ac- 
complish; and that this young man and his brother were at 
the meeting. How necessary, in the little services we may 
have to perform, to keep close to our guide, and not attempt to 
choose for ourselves, or refuse to communicate that which the 
omniscient One gives. I mention this, as I hesitated, in my own 
mind, to speak on afflictions ; because it is a subject easily and 
often commented on ; but nothing else appeared to come before 
me to say. We had a cold ride in a sleigh, of fifteen miles, out 
and back to the house of the Friend, who, with his valuable 
wife, took very kind care of us. 

15th. Attended the Select Preparative Meeting, and on the 
16th, the Monthly Meeting of Yonge Street. The latter was a 
large collection of Friends ; amongst whom I had a close testi- 
mony on the degeneracy of many, who, like Ephraim, have 
joined themselves to idols ; and whose strength strangers have 
devoured, and they know it not. The eager pursuit of wealth, 
has so absorbed the time and energies of many, that they are 
a dead weight upon the Society; deriving little or no benefit 
from, and conferring none upon it. These neglect the impera- 
tive duty of Divine worship, keep their children from the way 
of Truth, and their religious meetings. The meeting minuted 
its unity with the labor. 

This morning we found snow had fallen through the night, 
and pretty soon it commenced again, and fell constantly through 
the day. We try to hope that the good Hand will keep and 
provide for us, so that we shall be able to accomplish the ser- 
vice required, and join our beloved families in peace. The dis- 
tance between us and our homes, seems greater, owing to the 
inclement season, and the dangers of the way ; but the Lord can 
strengthen us to surmount them all. 

17th. Lodged the second night at E. D.'s, near the meeting- 
house ; who appeared to understand the state of our religious 
Society, and with whom we had some conversation about it. 
The Monthly Meeting holding late yesterday, we did not set 
out for Uxbridge until this morning. We were kindly conveyed 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 357 

to it in a sleigh, by one of the Friend's sons the distance being 
eighteen miles. The carriages were driven to Pickering by two 
young men. who came up to the Monthly Meeting ; to which 
Friends of that place belong. The weather was stormy ; hail, 
rain or snow falling most of the time ; yet we suffered but little 
from the cold, and got in earlier than we had looked for. 
Twelve miles of the road were through a wilderness, in which 
we saw but one house; and bears, deer and wolves are found 
there in considerable numbers. TTe quartered at the house of a 
Friend, who went from Pennsylvania ; but his mode of living 
is not quite like that in the thickly settled counties of that 
State. Yet he appeared to be in a thriving condition. A Friend 
having gone on before, to spread notice for a meeting, a com- 
pany of Canadian-looking men, with woollen caps, and a corres- 
ponding number of women, nearly all of whom had children with 
them, assembled in their small meeting-house, surrounded by 
snow fifteen or eighteen inches deep. Though I felt empty and 
somewhat depressed, yet Divine help was extended to speak to 
their conditions, and to hold forth the indispensable necessity 
of working while it is day, in the vineyard of their own hearts ; 
before the night cometh, in which no man can work. The 
sight of so many women who had turned out with their infants, 
in snow and cold, impressed me with the belief that they wanted 
to meet with good, and I hoped they were not disappointed. 
It came before me, to allude to the hardships that mothers have 
sometimes to endure ; the continual care of the children, and 
the necessary provision for them and their families ; which much 
confined them at home ; and to plead a little, with their hardy 
husbands, to divide the toil, and to soften, as far as in their 
power, the difficulties their wives have to endure. I think the 
tendering power of Truth was felt, and they shook hands very 
cordially with me when the meeting closed. 

18th. This morning the weather was cold, and the wind 
from the northwest; but our road lying much through the 
woods, we were a good deal defended from its force. Before 
we started, I was drawn to sit down with the family, and to re- 
mind them of the uncertainty of their earthly possessions, and 
that riches can do nothing for us when the end comes : and of 
the infinite importance of making ready for that awful period 
before it arrives. I thought the man, who has labored hard to 
get comfortable accommodations for himself and his cattle, but 
24 



358 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVAN?. [1845. 

is so much occupied by it, that he does not find time to attend 
his Monthly Meeting, and perhaps others, felt what was said : 
he parted with us in an affectionate and serious manner. In the 
afternoon, we got to a Friend's, at Pickering, where we were 
kindly received and entertained. 

19th. We attended their first-day meeting, in which the life 
and power of religion felt to me to be low. The Lord enabled 
me to search into the condition of things among them ; to show 
the stumbling effect which those have, who are not producing 
the fruits of religion in their lives, and how they are looked on 
by honest people, who do not make such high profession. Also 
the danger of forsaking silent waiting on the Lord, and run- 
ning into the expression of words, to gratify a restless disposi- 
tion, was spoken to, as being comparable to Saul, who without 
Divine authority, made an offering in the absence of the pro- 
phet Samuel, lest the people should be scattered; but whom the 
prophet told he had done foolishly. The true preparation and 
qualification for the ministry were alluded to ; and the suffering 
remnant among them were encouraged to abide at the Lord's 
feet, and to endure the baptisms which He administers ; that so 
they may grow in grace, and in the saving knowledge of their 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I felt constrained to bow in 
supplication for the few who are striving to keep the faith, and 
to bear, though in fear and in meekness, a faithful testimony for 
the Truth, and that those who are holding back, might be 
stirred up to more zeal and devotion, and be brought forward 
in their ranks and service in the church. Though I was favored 
with holy help, yet I came away in poverty, and some discour- 
agement, on account of the state of the members. We were 
afterwards told of some things which confirmed my feelings. 

Dined with a Friend, at whose house we had the company of 
several others. In the morning, a Friend kindly offered to convey 
us in his sleigh to Haldemond, fifty miles. The thermometer 
stood at seventeen degrees above zero. We covered up in buf- 
falo robes, and though the weather was cloudy, and the wind 
rather in our faces, we travelled comfortably in an open sleigh, 
and reached J. S.'s before night, who took us in very heartily. 
A cheerful reception after travelling an obscure road, through a 
strange country, is grateful to weary travellers, and should be 
thankfully accepted. 

21st The Friend who brought us here returned to Picker- 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 359 

ing, and J. S. took us over to the house of a Friend, near Hal- 
demond meeting-house, eight miles ; and also agreed to convey 
us to Cold Creek, where, he said, we would find Friends to take 
us to Ameliasburg. 

Our far separation from home at this wintry season, the almost 
constant cloudy weather, with the falls of snow, have a depres- 
sing effect ; and the great distance between the meetings, makes 
our getting on tedious. It is especially trying, when we are 
placed in the care of those of little religious experience, or who 
are not under the sanctifying power of Grace, and cannot sym- 
pathize with and help us, in bearing the burdens that attend 
these visits to the churches. May the Lord, in tender compas- 
sion, regard and visit his people, arouse some from their supine- 
ness; renew the confidence of the upright hearted in Him, and 
show unto us, by raising up servants and handmaidens, that He 
will not cast us off, and take his name from our religious Society. 
I felt myself in a low state, and did not know how the meeting, 
which had been appointed here, would be got through. But 
after sitting down, the language passed through my mind, "The 
same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon Him." Again, 
" Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, 
and thou shalt glorify me ;" and faith sprang a little in my heart 
that He would not forsake, but in his time, change the dispen- 
sation. The company was small, and I was enabled to min- 
ister to them, so as to bring some under serious feelings. They 
were affectionate in taking leave of us at the close. 

22d. J. S. came to us quite early in the morning, and we 
..ode twelve miles to a Friend's house, and refreshed ourselves 
and horses. Cleanliness and godliness are very properly asso- 
ciated, and have a happy influence on the feelings. They give 
zest to simple fare, and open the springs of friendship and 
union between those who before have had no acquaintance. 
These Friends are much secluded from our religious Society; 
but they came to the meeting at Cold Creek. On getting to 
W. V.'s, arrangements were made to spread notice of a meeting 
next morning. He and his family were from Ireland; and ap- 
peared to have mingled with cultivated society; being intelli- 
gent and well-informed of the principles and order of Friends. 
We do not rely on learning, as an essential qualification for re- 
ligious service, but association with those of cultivated, religi- 
ous minds, is very pleasant and profitable. 



360 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1845. 



23d. "Went to the meeting ; in which were many persons of 
consistent appearance, and, I have no doubt, honest in their 
love to the cause of Christ. The blessedness of living and 
walking in the Truth, and being faithful to its requirings, com- 
ing before me, I was strengthened to encourage the sincere- 
hearted, and to plead with the earthly-minded, to yield to the 
convictions of Divine grace, that thereby they may be brought 
into the love and service of their Heavenly Father. After a 
short, tendering opportunity with our kind friends, we set out 
in his sleigh, between three and four o'clock, and rode through 
a rough, hilly country, to the head of the bay of Quinti, and 
down along the lake shore, through a flat plain ; over which 
the wind swept with chilling force ; and after a ride of twenty- 
five miles, got to a Friend's house about eight o'clock. 

24th. The weather this morning proved to be rainy, and 
looked cheerless; but notice having been spread, the members 
of Ameliasburg, generally assembled ; and through the good- 
ness of the blessed Head of the church, we had a favored meet- 
ing. His solemnizing presence spread over us, and the gospel 
was preached, and the states of some reached. It was a reliev- 
ing time, and encouraged me to hold on, in endeavoring to com- 
plete the service of this visit. We went to J. C.'s to lodge, 
which we found a comfortable resting place. 

Marrying contrary to the discipline is so common in Canada, 
even with some from whom a different example should be ex- 
pected, that the testimony against the practice, cannot be said 
to be maintained. Some Friends are so weak, that they seem 
to approve, rather than disapprove, of this violation of our 
wholesome discipline ; on the ground, as they say, that instead 
of losing a member, the Society mostly gains one. But in the 
first place, it lays waste the qualification of the offender to sup- 
port the discipline, in other cases, if he is retained in member- 
ship, by "offering a paper," as it is termed. And when the 
discipline is loosely administered, weakness overspreads, in re- 
lation to an upright and impartial course in other respects. 
Secondly, if the party who had never been a member is re- 
ceived, for the sake of accommodation, or without real convince- 
ment of our principles and testimonies, weakness and blindness 
may be, in like manner, introduced through this channel ; and 
thus meetings for discipline, become formal, lifeless appendages 
to the Society. 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 361 

25th. In the afternoon we rode to J. B.'s, where we lodged ; 
and in the following morning, being first-day, (26th,) were 
called for by J. C, who took us to West Lake Meeting ; which 
was large, and the forepart of it disturbed by persons coming 
late, and moving about in the house. My companion requested 
the boys in the gallery to keep still in one place, and not be 
walking about, disturbing the meeting; which had a good ef- 
fect above and below stairs. I felt desirous of keeping my 
place, as the Master should appoint, and the way not opening 
to communicate anything, the meeting closed, to the surprise of 
many. 

We rode five miles to Pictou, and dined with a well-educated 
family. The plain appearance and correct deportment of their 
children were cheering; and before we left the table, I felt a 
word of encouragement to arise, for them and their parents. 
Notice having been sent to Adolphustown, for a meeting on 
second-day, we crossed the bay of Quinti, on the ice, and lodged 
at W. C.'s, whose dwelling is situated a short distance from the 
water; a beautiful site. These aged Friends came from the 
United States, into Canada, about fifty-eight years ago. They 
used a boat on the different streams in the route, which they 
had conveyed in wagons, from stream to stream; and when 
they reached Oswego River, they descended it into Lake Onta- 
rio ; and went round to the outlet of the lake, into the bay of 
Quinti. They travelled as the weather permitted ; landing on 
some part of the shore suitable for passing the night ; until they 
reached their stopping-place in Canada. Their account of the 
difficulties they met with, and their progress in making a set- 
tlement, was interesting. Both of them, being now over four- 
score years of age, still retain a good share of mental strength ; 
though the husband is not able to pronounce his words perfect- 
ly, owing to a paralytic affection. They were among the first 
Friends who held a meeting in Canada ; and Adolphus was the 
first established meeting; its decisions as a Monthly Meeting, 
being, as they informed us, subject to revision and confirmation 
by a Monthly Meeting at Stanford. 

27th. Attended the meeting at Adolphustown ; and labored 
to strengthen the faith of those who were often tried ; and to 
set forth the importance of a change of heart in the unregeno- 
rate. The Master mercifully condescended to help us. Re- 
turned to Wt st Lake in the evening-. 



362 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

28th. At the Half-years Meeting of Ministers and Elders- - 
a low time to me ; yet I did not feel easy, without endeavoring 
to hold up the great responsibility of the stations they occupied; 
the indispensable necessity of enforcing the doctrines of Christ, 
by example, in all our intercourse among men ; that the source 
of all true gospel ministry is the Great Head of the church ; who 
by his Spirit, opens to the minds of his servants, what He or- 
dains them to communicate to the people ; and that the same 
Spirit also gives a true discerning to elders ; by which they may 
rightly distinguish between that which comes from the true 
Spring, and the deceptive workings of the natural reason and 
the imagination. The necessity of the faithful discharge of 
their duties, in laying a hand upon spurious offerings, was 
pressed upon them. The practice which generally prevails, of 
sending for ministers to attend burials, as if the dead could not 
be interred in a christian manner, without preaching, was 
brought into view, and Friends were cautioned against encour- 
aging it, by going to places out of their own neighborhood, for 
such purpose, unless under a sense of religious duty. 

On the 29th, the Meeting for Discipline was held ; in the fore- 
part of which, many spoke. I felt not a little grieved with a 
sense of the want of sound and faithful elders, and a right feeling 
of the order which belongs to the church of Christ ; in which 
the servants and ministers know how to keep their places, un- 
der the direction of the great Lawgiver. After a time, I be- 
lieved it right to bear testimony to the necessity of enduring 
suffering, in order that we may reign with Christ ; that being 
baptized into death, we may know what it is to be raised up, 
by Him, who is the resurrection and the life ; and to encourage 
a remnant who were in suffering, to be faithful to their Lord 
and Master. One of the ancient martyrs said, though she could 
not say much for Christ, she could suffer for Him. It is through 
baptism, we are prepared to receive gifts, and to be put into the 
stations which the Great Head designs us for, in his church ; 
and without this experience, none can take part or lot in the 
work of the Lord. If they attempt to be active, in their own 
will and wisdom, they minister death instead of life; wound 
themselves, bring distress over the living members, and con- 
fusion into the church. The true servants of Christ, who 
know how to keep their ranks in righteousness, have the sen- 
tence of death in themselves, not to trust in themselves, but in 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 363 

God, who raiseth the dead. These in their services, are a savor 
of life unto life, and of death unto them that are dead. The 
Master helped me to discharge myself honestly, and Truth came 
over some restless spirits. The young people were invited to 
come under the refining hand of the Baptizer of his people, that 
by his cleansing power, they may be prepared. for usefulness in 
his church. A Friend returned thanks for the continued p;ood- 
ness and condescension of the Lord, in manifesting Himself 
for our help, and the meeting proceeded to the business. 

Some things which were cause of uneasiness, were brought 
before Friends ; particularly the neglect of frequently reading 
the Holy Scriptures ; both apart from their families, and also to 
them, at proper seasons. Many going out of the Society in mar- 
riage, and Monthly Meetings conniving at it ; such disorderly 
persons being kept from attending their meetings for business, 
but a short time, and then undertaking to sit in judgment on 
other violations of the discipline. These in their turn, are pre- 
pared to connive at the wrong doings of others, and thus con- 
tribute to lay waste the order, the discipline and the authority 
which were conferred by the Head of the church for its health 
and growth. Friends were also cautioned against the practice 
of attending meetings held by the separatists, by which the 
principles of young and old, may be subverted, and the advan- 
tages lost, which we ought to derive from being a people, devo- 
ted to the Lord and his truth. 

(3n fifth-day was held their usual public meeting for Divine 
worship. I felt no ability for any public service. 

In the afternoon we rode fifteen miles to A. E.'s, widow of 
the late T. E,. ; whom we heard spoken of as a sound minister, 
belonging to Adolphustown Meeting. We found her house an 
agreeable lodging and resting-place, where travellers are kindly 
entertained. Next day, the 31st of First month, went to Cam- 
den, thirty-two miles, situated in a newly-settled country. The 
weather was very cold ; and when about half way on our jour- 
ney, we called at the house of a kind person, warmed ourselves, 
and got some dinner; and towards evening, reached our lodg- 
ing-place ; which was warmed with a large stove in the room 
where we slept, and one in the adjoining apartment, as well as 
a fire in the chimney; all which were necessary to make us 
comfortable. 

Second month 1st. This morning we found the thermometer 



364 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

at twenty degrees below zero ; the atmosphere clear and calm. 
In new settlements, where the benefits of religious education and 
habits are not always discoverable, there is reason to fear that 
that circumspection, which true religion requires, is not attain- 
ed, as it ought to be, among some. Population being thin, it is 
natural for persons to seek such society as is within their reach ; 
and where there is a want of christian watchfulness, improper 
associations may be indulged, obstructing the elevation of the 
standard of truth and righteousness. In the meeting which we 
held here with the Friends and their neighbors, I was exercised 
on the danger of mingling with persons of uncertain principles 
and evil habits, who have little or no reverence for religion ; 
and I warned them against allowing their children to associate 
with such ; lest they should be poisoned in principle, and spoil- 
ed in their manners and conduct, pther subjects, as they were 
brought before me, were spoken to. Afterwards, a Friend said, 
if they had told me beforehand their situation, it could not have 
been more fully described ; which is another proof that the 
spring of all true gospel ministry, is in Him who hath the key 
of David : to whom all the honor and praise belong. 

We rode back in the evening to A. E.'s, for the purpose of 
being at West Lake on first-day, not feeling clear of that place. 
The ride was cold, and the latter part dangerous, on account of 
the slippery, iced surface of the Bay road ; where we had fears 
of gliding off, in the dark, and were glad to get into our warm 
lodgings. 

First-day morning, the 2d, the thermometer was ten degrees 
below zero ; and having fifteen miles to ride, we rose and start- 
ed early ; the air was pinching cold. Had a laborious time at 
meeting, with some whose spiritual faculties seemed blunted, so 
that they have little qualification to engage in inward, spiritual 
worship, and little energy to maintain our religious testimonies. 
Culled and dined at the boarding school, and had a word of ex- 
hortation to the teachers and the scholars. Eode back to A. 
E.'s, rather weary, and after supper, had a religious opportuni- 
ty with the family. 

3d. Eode twenty-six miles to J. F.'s, near Kingston, and had 
a meeting at their meeting-house, about five miles distant, with 
Friends and others. For a time, I felt afraid that the Lord had 
deserted me, which brought me low ; but before the close, I 
hope He opened some things for the instruction of the people. 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 365 

I returned to our lodgings in a humbled state of mind; proba- 
bly in part to prepare me for the trials which succeeded. 

4th. As we came from meeting it snowed, and so continued 
through the night ; and this morning the weather was stormy ; 
presenting a very dreary, discouraging aspect; but notwith- 
standing, we set out and rode forty-six miles, through a severe 
snow storm, to a Friend's house, five miles short of the meeting- 
house at Leeds ; and glad we were to get under a warm shelter 
out of such inclement weather. Here we found a large family 
of children, and the Friends in slender circumstances ; which 
caused us to feel much for them, and for their children. Such 
have many hardships to encounter ; and their time being almost 
wholly occupied in providing necessary food and clothing, 
leaves but little opportunity to give direct attention to the 
habits and mental improvement of their offspring. Yet such is 
the great importance of right principles being impressed on 
their tender minds, and adopted, they should do what they can, 
to bring up the children not only in industry and cleanliness, 
but instructing them in useful branches of learning ; in fre- 
quently reading the Holy Scriptures; and, above all, to turn 
their hearts to the teachings of the Holy Spirit, that they may 
be brought to live in the fear of their great Creator. By this 
godly care, enforced by example, the minds of the children 
would be stored with knowledge, that would raise them above 
the practice of low jesting, and trifling conversation on subjects 
or occurrences of a frivolous character; and which tend to de- 
grade the mind. How responsible is the standing of those who 
are engaged in instructing others in the work of religion. While 
advocating the power of Divine Grace, how ought they to show 
its effieac} 7 " in themselves, and in a proper concern and care for 
their offspring. Where practice does not enforce precept, there 
may be reason to fear that, persons have mistaken their sphere 
in the church, and are carried away, by creaturely activity, 
abroad, as a substitute for the faithful discharge of domestic 
duties. The profession of Divine guidance is brought into dis- 
repute, by the neglect of our own families, manifested by un- 
cultivated minds and irreligious manners ; however zealous we 
may appear for the welfare of others and their children. Such 
may find it much easier to counsel others how they ought to live, 
than to restrain and rightly tutor the lambs committed to their 
care. There are persons in low circumstances, who, by their 



366 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

industry and prudent management, bring up their children in 
habits of sobriety and proper labor, and also get for them suit- 
able school learning ; but it is generally those who stay much at 
home, minding these important duties ; and thus are a blessing 
to their families ; and their children, as they grow up, are often 
a blessing to such parents. 

5th. Though the storm continued, and much snow fell through 
the night, we believed it right to endeavor to get to the meet- 
ing ; but little did we know of the difficulties in our way. We 
soon found ourselves in a depth of snow, through which the 
horses could not draw the sleigh more than a rod or two, without 
stopping to get breath. After proceeding about a mile, with 
much difficulty, we desired our guide, who was on horseback, to 
go to a Friend's house, and get him to come out with a yoke of 
oxen, to break the road before us. The Friend followed his 
oxen, often above his knees in the snow, in their track, continu- 
ally urging them forward. We dragged after them at a slow, 
laborious pace, about a mile, when he thought it impracticable 
to go further, and advised us to return to the house we left in 
the morning. To this we were decidedly opposed, as the house 
we wished to reach was but one and a half mile distant. We 
stopped at a house near the roadside, and though discouraged, 
we prevailed on the man to get out his oxen to aid us; but one 
of them proved so weak, he was unable to push through the 
snow, even without anything to draw after them. He had 
neither accommodations for us, nor stabling for horses; and, of 
course, it was necessary to make attempts to get on. The man. 
without his oxen, accompanied us, assisting the Friend to drive 
his oxen ; whom we occasionally relieved by taking him on our 
sleigh. Several kind persons, seeing our situation, turned out, 
and assisted breaking the road, by trampling down the snow, 
sometimes up to the waist, until we reached another farm-house. 
Here they kindly yoked up two pair of oxen, and attached them 
to a sled ; and another person turned out on horseback, so that 
we soon had the road so open, that we got to Harvey Derby- 
shire's; four miles from our starting place in the morning. It 
was now after twelve o'clock ; we having been about four and a 
half hours coming four miles ; and truly glad we were to find 
ourselves within reach of so comfortable a shelter for ourselves 
and horses. I had never experienced such feelings, from the 
apprehension of the consequences, should we be left in fields of 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 367 

snow, by our horses getting down and giving out ; the harness 
breaking, and no houses within reach. But we had cause for 
thankfulness, that we were released from such dangers and sen- 
sations, and hospitably provided for. The storm continued, and 
I felt much concerned about the Friend who had between two 
and three miles to travel back to his home ; lest he should be 
overpowered by the depth of the snow : he, however, got back 
safely. The snow was so banked up about the house, that they 
were fearful the cattle would get almdst buried in it ; and the 
Friend and his boy were up in the night, to ascertain their con- 
dition. Next day I had a chill, and was obliged to go to bed ; 
as it subsided, fever came on, which went off towards night, 
with profuse perspiration ; and I hoped it would terminate the 
disease. 

7th. The road being pretty well broken, we went to P. W.'s, 
near the meeting-house ; and the next day I had a return of 
chill and fever. The disease constantly prostrating me, the 
severity of the climate, and the great distance from home, made 
my situation feel serious ; which was increased by the state of 
the roads ; and I have seldom passed through a greater trial of 
faith. A Friend rode eight miles to the residence of a physi- 
cian, but he had gone to Brockville. Of course, he did not find 
him ; but P. W. going out about a mile in the opposite direc- 
tion, to attend to some business, met him and brought him to 
see me. Having quinine with him, he prepared me a mixture, 
and giving me directions how to take it, expressed the belief 
that the disease would not continue long; which was encourag- 
ing. The fever went off as before, and I took the medicine 
faithfully. 

9th. This morning the thermometer was twenty-two degrees 
below zero, at eight a. m. Though the doctor had advised me not 
to go to meeting, yet as it was first-day, and I was desirous to 
do the work that might be required, so as to be prepared, when 
able, to take my departure, I wrapped up well and went. A 
large company collected, towards whom I had some service, but 
being w T eak, and the house rather warm, I was not able to stand 
long. When the time to close came, I requested Friends to re- 
main together, while others withdrew ; and after a pause, the 
way opened to address them on the preparation, call and quali- 
fication for the ministry of the gospel, and the duties of elders ; 
also on the danger of mistaking our calling ; and hence the 



368 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

necessity of lowly watchfulness before the Lord, and the spirit 
of discernment in those, whose place it is to judge; that they 
may be qualified to counsel those who may speak merely to an- 
swer the cravings of the people for words, for fear they will be 
scattered. The danger of setting up a man-made ministry, out 
of which the Society was originally gathered, was opened ; that 
thereby the testimony would be laid waste, which the Lord 
gave us to bear, to the spiritual character of Divine worship, 
in silent, reverent waiting upon Him. When persons mistake 
their calling, and elders do not discharge their duty faithfully, 
in silencing such intruders, they bring distress upon the living 
members, and often make a party to support them ; which in- 
troduces difficulty into a meeting. In transacting the affairs of 
the church, they were exhorted to retire to the gift of God in 
themselves, as in their silent approaches in Divine worship ; that 
they may be made acquainted with their respective duties and 
services, and enabled to perform them; and when they have 
delivered what was impressed on their minds to say, to leave 
it before their brethren and sisters, without urging it, and ruling 
over them. Christ is given to be Head over all things, to his 
body the church. These things were laid before them in love, 
with a sincere desire they might be found laboring together for 
the faith of the gospel. 

I felt very feeble on returning to my lodgings, and being able 
to take but little nourishment, I was depressed with the apprehen- 
sion, that for want of suitable aliment, I should sink so low as not 
soon to be able to travel. Home, and my dear connections were 
far distant, and such a great body of snow lying on the ground, 
and it being probable still more would fall ere long, my faith 
seemed almost ready to fail; but looking up to my Heavenly 
Father, I was enabled to pray to Him, that He would not per- 
mit anything to fall upon me, that I could not bear, lest the 
spirit which He had made, should fail before Him. I was op- 
pressed in body and mind, and at the usual hour, retired to rest, 
and after some conflict with the reported difficulties of crossing 
the St. Lawrence, finally got asleep ; and in the morning, 
rose somewhat refreshed. As I sat alone in my lodging-room, 
an intimation was given me, that my sufferings in that place, 
were at an end; and then I knew that I should not be much 
longer kept there. The weather proved more moderate, and 
though it was the usual day for the chill, it did not return, and 



[1845. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 369 

we concluded, contrary to the physician's advice, to set out for 
Le Eay Quarter at noon. By that time the road was well 
broken to Brockville, on the river, and there was a plain track 
over it, so that our fears, on this account, soon vanished. We 
passed over safely, and put up for the night at a tavern, about 
a mile from the landing; with thankful hearts that we were 
once more in our own country, and progressing to the remain- 
ing work, which would bring us, comparatively, in the neighbor- 
hood of home. Lodged comfortably, and found my appetite 
improved by fresh air and change of diet, and my strength in- 
creased. No one who has not passed through similar feelings, 
can realize the agreeable change I experienced. 

11th. Third-day. We rode seventeen miles, principally 
through a romantic country, called the Eossie Hills ; dined, and 
in the afternoon went eighteen miles further to the residence 
of E. T., near New Philadelphia, where we were kindly received 
and entertained. 

12th. Snow again falling very fast, after rain, rendered it 
doubtful that many would attend the usual meeting, held to-day; 
though some notice of our wish to see Friends had been spread. 
I went to it in weakness and fear, after such reduction in body 
and mind; not knowing whether I should be owned and helped 
by Him, without whom we can do nothing. After a time of 
silent, inward waiting, I was strengthened to stand up, and 
found ability to search out some, who were concealing them- 
selves under a plain outside, but greatly needed the inside to be 
made clean. I was thankful for Divine help in discharging my 
duty to them, and in strengthening the honest hearted present. 
In the afternoon, we rode to J. and L. C.'s, not far from Le Eay- 
ville, where Ave found a true resting place. The concerns and 
interests of our religious Society, were uppermost with these 
Friends, and after part of the evening had been spent in in- 
structive converse, we fell into silence, and a word of con- 
solation and encouragement was furnished for them and their 
daughters. 

13th. Attended their regular meeting, in which I was en- 
gaged to labor, I hope, in the authority of Truth. Parting 
with these dear Friends seemed hard on both sides, feelins: one 
another in the best fellowship. So few Friends visiting them 
from a distance, they expressed their reluctance at our staying 
so short a time ; but in order to get to Lowville, and hold a 



370 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1815. 

meeting next morning, it was necessary to ride fifteen miles 
this evening; which we did, and lodged at a tavern. The 
weather was cold ; the mercury being several degrees below 
zero. I thought I never before saw the moisture from the 
horses, freeze on their bodies, as it did almost immediately after 
setting out, while the sun shone on them. 

14th. Word having been taken over night, by a Friend, for a 
meeting, we rose early, and without waiting for breakfast, 
which was quite indiscreet, considering the severity of the 
weather, we rode about ten miles to J. S.'s. A fine hail com- 
menced falling before meeting time. The company was small, 
and in sitting with them, it appeared to me, weakness had 
spread over the heads of the tribes; and the injunction, "Be 
watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are 
ready to die ; for I have not found thy works perfect before 
God," was revived and applied. The spirit of prayer was 
granted, to petition for help from the sanctuary; that those 
who were negligent and indifferent, and had lost ground, might 
be forgiven and brought to renew their covenant, and come up 
in greater faithfulness ; also, for the young people, who have 
so few to lead them in the right way ; that the Lord would 
touch their hearts with the finger of his love, enamour them 
with the beauty of holiness, and the excellency of his blessed 
Truth. The hearts of some were affected. We went to T. T.'s 
and lodged. 

15th. In coming out this morning to the main road, we 
found the track so filled with drifted hail, that, in some places, 
the horses sunk in it nearly to their bodies, and the sleigh was 
with difficulty prevented from overturning. We drove south 
about fifteen miles, dined and fed our horses at an inn, and to- 
wards evening, reached J. P.'s at Lee. Those who have never 
travelled in a country, where the snow is above the tops of the 
fences, and there is but one track, are not aware of the difficulty, 
and sometimes danger, in turning out of it, to pass vehicles 
we meet. The off horse plunges deep into the snow, from which 
it requires a great effort to recover the road, endangering the 
harness or getting entangled with the passing sleigh. 

16th. First-day morning. Snow falling fast, presenting a 
discouraging prospect, both on account of the size of the meet- 
ing and the difficulties of travelling. The number who came 
was greater than I expected ; but, though I endeavored to do 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 371 

what appeared to be required, it was not a very animating 
time ; yet I hoped that serious impressions were made on some. 
After dinner, we parted with our companion, B. Bowerman, who 
had been with us through Canada, and rode to Z. H.'s ; being ob- 
liged to ride eleven miles round, instead of six miles across the 
hills, owing to the fall of snow this morning. We passed an 
agreeable evening in conversation with this Friend, who appear- 
ed to be firm in the doctrine of the gospel as held by our Society. 
The very general departure of the young people from plainness 
of dress, throughout this Quarterly Meeting, gives ground to 
apprehend that the Society in many places, will decline, if not 
run out. To the indulgence of parents and others, it is to be 
much attributed ; who, instead of restraining the children, grat- 
ify their fondness for dress. What abundant cause is there for 
mourning; as it is evidence of the degeneracy overspreading 
many parts of this, as well as other Yearly Meetings. 

17th. We had an appointed meeting at Werkenville, com- 
posed of members and other professors. It was a good meet- 
ing, in which was set forth the peculiar glory and excellency 
of the gospel dispensation ; which brings a knowledge of the 
Divine will home to every man, with strength to do it ; and en- 
ables him to worship God in spirit and in truth, without human 
aid, or the intervention of words. A solemnity was over us. 
Friends were refreshed, and I felt thankful for the Lord's good- 
ness in qualifying for his work ; without which we can do 
nothing. We rode six miles to an elderly Friend's house ; 
dined, and after a religious opportunity with a member, who 
was absent when we were at the meeting to which she belongs, 
we rode nearly eight miles to C. P.'s, in Westmoreland. Here 
we met with some hopeful young people, and found it a pleasant 
lodging place for weary pilgrims. 

18th. Held a meeting here ; in which was emphatically 
opened and pressed, the danger of being swallowed up in busi- 
ness ; by which the work of salvation w T ould be almost or en- 
tirely, neglected. I expressed the hope which I felt, that young 
persons present were designed by the Lord, to be prepared and 
made use of, in building up the waste places, and restoring the 
former desolations among us. These were pleaded with to yield 
to the convictions and drawings of his Spirit, that they might be 
redeemed from the love of the world, and know Him to fit them 
for his service in the church. It was a tendering time with some, 



372 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

which was renewed at our lodgings, in a religious opportunity 
with a number of young persons, before we set out for New 
Hartford ; some of whom, I believed, if they are faithful, will 
be qualified to support the ark of the testimonies. It was plea- 
sant to see marks of care and religious concern in some here, 
to keep to simplicity, and to bring up their children rightly. 
Oh how are the reins of government thrown upon the necks 
of children, and they encouraged to copy the corrupting 
fashions, and manners of the people around them, with whom 
they too freely mingle ; much to their hurt. 

Rode in the afternoon to a Friend's house, near New Hartford 
meeting-house ; but found him so unwell that we could not be 
accommodated. We went to the residence of another, and were 
told that he also was indisposed, but no other being convenient 
they consented to take us in. 

We went to the meeting-house, where we found a few Friends 
kindling a fire. A little company gradually collected, with 
whom we had a tender opportunity, to the comfort of the sin- 
cere ones, who are striving to keep up their little meeting at 
this place. Several expressed their satisfaction. Plainness of 
speech was used towards a different class; who are deficient in 
the life of religion. After dinner rode to Madison, about 
twenty -four miles, and put up with a Friend, in the village of 
Hamilton. 

20th. Attended their regular meeting, which was small, and 
in which I labored according to the ability afforded. In the 
afternoon went to Brookfield ; our guide gave notice to the 
families, as we rode along, of the appointment of a meeting, to 
be held the next day; which to me, was a trying time; the evi- 
dence of declension from primitive zeal, and the neglect of the 
great work of salvation, were affecting to me. 

In the afternoon we had a tedious ride of twenty miles, some 
part of it difficult from snow banks, which began to give way 
under the horses, so as to make them plunge a good deal in 
passing over the drifts. We found H. B.'s, which we reached 
about seven o'clock, an agreeable- resting place, after such a 
ride. 

22d. We had a meeting at Burlington ; which was much 
larger than we expected, from the short notice, and it being 
seventh-day. I was glad to see so many; it seemed an indica- 
tion of life, and a desire to obtain good. They were encour- 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 373 

aged to individual faithfulness, from the example of Nehemiah, 
who, notwithstanding, his besetments, effected much by perse- 
verance ; through the Divine blessing. I hoped it was a good 
meeting; there being, as I thought, sincerely concerned ones, 
who would rejoice in the prosperity of Zion. Under a sense of 
the protecting power and goodness of our Heavenly Father, 
extended to us in this journey, I was led to bow before Him, 
and acknowledge his mercy in visiting us in the morning of life, 
and keeping us to this hour; and implored his continued pre- 
servation, through the remaining snares and temptations with 
which a cruel enemy might assail us ; in order to destroy that 
which He had done in us and for us. 

In a view of the trials awaiting us, from the unsettled state 
of our religious Society, there is great need of watchfulness and 
fervent prayer to our Heavenly Father, for his delivering arm, 
that it may be round about his afflicted children and servants. 

After dinner we proceeded to H. B.'s, at Oneonta, eighteen 
miles ; which was laborious travelling, the road being bare of 
snow nearly one-half the distance, from the present mildness of 
the weather. Here we felt like coming to the close of our visit, 
this being the starting point where we set out, for the meetings 
in this part of New York Yearly Meeting. We were very cor- 
dially received by his wife, Henry being from home ; and ac- 
knowledgments of the Lord's mercy, secretly rose in my heart, 
He having thus brought us safely through this trying and labo- 
rious journey. 

23d. Attended the first-day meeting at Butternuts; in which 
I felt 'a strong interest in some of the young men ; to whom the 
language of persuasion was offered, to yield to the convictions 
of the Holy Spirit, which would change their hearts and their 
actions, and give them true peace ; in place of a restless, unhap- 
py condition, which often attends disobedience of the Divine 
law. We must leave our labors with the Lord. 

We were detained, waiting for the stage, until third-day af- 
ternoon ; and in the meantime, sold our carriage and horses ; 
which was a great relief, for we should probably have found it 
difficult, to drive through the mountains, on account of snow. 
We were taken to Oneonta ; whence the stage started at twelve 
o'clock in the night ; we got some sleep, but setting out in an 
open wagon, was rather chilling ; but there was no alternative. 
We passed over a rough road, but reached Catskill, on the North 
25 



374 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

River, about eight o'clock in the evening, somewhat fatigued ; 
the distance being seventy-three miles. Here we were detained 
waiting for a steamboat, until after dark, next evening. When 
on board, we were well pleased to find ourselves in such an ex- 
peditious mode of conveyance homeward. The crowd in the 
boat, the darkness of the night, and the driving of the vessel 
on large cakes of floating ice, which made her tremble from 
stem to stern, together with some noisy passengers, made the 
voyage unpleasant. We landed in New York a little after five 
in the morning, and walked to our friend John Wood's ; whom 
we found in a poor state of health, though at that time better 
than he had been. He was a man of a christian spirit ; and 
from the opportunity I had of observing him, appeared to be 
ready to forgive his enemies, bearing their reproaches, in a 
pleasant, cheerful spirit. This was the last opportunity I had 
of seeing him, and he was then in this disposition, while he 
conversed on some of his trials. He died in a few weeks after, 
firm in the faith that he had borne a righteous testimony to the 
Truth ; and having a well-grounded hope of entering into ever- 
lasting rest and peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; 
whose servant he was, and was not ashamed to confess his Di- 
vine Master openly before men. He was a lover of the Truth, 
and of the friends of Truth, and an able minister of the gospel 
of life and salvation. 

We crossed the iSTorth Kiver to Jersey City, and took the car 
for Philadelphia, at nine o'clock; and in about six hours were 
restored, in safety and peace, to our beloved families and friends. 
My heart was clothed with gratitude and thanksgiving to our 
gracious Caretaker, for his unmerited mercy and goodness in 
preserving us; furnishing renewed strength, from time to time, 
to do his will, and bringing me back with the reward of sweet 
peace ; and to find the like peace and preservation had been 
dispensed to my dear wife and children during my absence. 

I endeavored throughout the visit to maintain a state of 
watchfuh ess, that nothing might occur to mar the work ; and 
after my return, I was favored with much peace and serenity; 
and in looking over the journey, nothing appeared that created 
uneasiness, or caused feelings of regret; which I esteemed a 
nercy. 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 375 

CHAPTER XYIII. 
1845—1846. 

Want of the Life of Keligion in the Society — Visit to Exeter and Maiden 
Creek Meetings — Visits to different Meetings within Philadelphia Yearly 
Meeting — Ann Jones of Stockport, England — Visit to Stanford Quarterly 
Meeting, New York, and its Branches. 

1845, Tenth month 8th. After a season of long silence, my 
mind was invested, at our own meeting, with the sense that 
what is wanting, is the life of religion ; accompanied with a re- 
newed evidence, that He who is the resurrection and the life, is 
graciously near to manifest Himself in that character. The 
duties which are of an outward nature are to be performed ; but 
they may be fulfilled, and the power of godliness denied. Many 
appeared to me in that situation ; plain in the exterior, regular 
in coming to meeting, and desirous of hearing ministry ; but are 
destitute of that travail of soul and fervency in seeking after 
Christ, which He would reward with the cheering beams of his 
countenance, and the bread which nourishes up the soul to ever- 
lasting life, and renews oar love and courage to follow Him, 
and to wait for Him. Seldom have I felt my love to the Lord 
Jesus stronger than I did this day. My spirit humbly bowed 
before Him, and returned thanks, that were not uttered, for his 
mercy in raising me up as from the dead, to testify of his truth 
and his goodness, and to incite others to come and snbmit them- 
selves to Him. 

9th. Went to Westtown to attend the semi-annual meeting 
of the committee there. We found the school in rather a pros- 
perous condition as regards the progress of the pupils in their 
studies. I rarely visit this institution without feelings of peace- 
ful delight arising from the persuasion, that the unslumoering 
Shepherd of the sheep watches over the little flock there, and 
will reward the sincere and faithful efforts of the caretakers and 
teachers to guard and instruct the dear children. Meeting with 
several beloved Friends on the appointment was animating ; 
and I hope productive of good. 

28th. For days past poverty of spirit, and being brought 



376 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

low, have been my portion. My only hope has been in the 
compassion and loving kindness of the Lord, my helper ana 
keeper, and the belief that He would not forsake me. To-day 
I went to Frankford Monthly Meeting; and after struggling 
with feelings of great discouragement, I yielded to apprehended 
duty ; and the Lord, in mercy, opened the spring of the minis- 
try, and gave me tongue and utterance, to my own consolation, 
and the comfort of his people. I was thankful for this token 
of his goodness, and proof that He had not forsaken me. 

29th. Our Monthly Meeting, held to-day, was a solid oppor- 
tunity ; both that for worship and for the administration of the 
discipline. There was an unusual solemnity over the latter, in 
which, I believe, not a few were under a sincere travail of spirit, 
that we might be favored with the Master's presence, and quali- 
fied to act in his authority. It is this alone that strengthens to 
advance the cause of Truth, and to edify the body on the true 
foundation. Samuel Bettle, Sr., was with us, and expressed his 
satisfaction in being united with his brethren in religious exer- 
cise. We agreed to the proposition of the Philadelphia Month- 
ly Meeting, to open meetings for worship on first-day evening, 
through the winter. 

Eleventh month 2d. Our evening meeting was opened, which, 
considering the wetness of the weather, was large. It was thought 
to be a good beginning. 

5th. The longer I live the more I am convinced, that the gos- 
pel cannot be preached but as He who hath the key of David 
reanoints for the work, and furnishes that which quickens the 
soul, and raises into dominion the precious life in an assembly. 

10th. My beloved wife having had for some time a concern 
to visit the Friends of Exeter and Maiden Creek Meetings, we 
took the Pottsville car, and being met at Douglassville, by a 
Friend, were taken by him to J. B.'s. The weather was very 
fine, the travelling pleasant, and being cordially received by our 
dear friends, we passed the afternoon and evening to our mutual 
satisfaction. On the following morning, J. and his wife set out 
with us for Maiden Creek. 

12th. Called to see our aged friend Mary E. Lee, who was 
confined with an injury received by a fall. We had a religious 
opportunity in her chamber, and then went to the meeting. My 
wife was engaged to strengthen the hands of the exercised few 
there, and to invite the young people to give themselves up to 



1845.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 377 

the Lord and his service. Afterwards it was my place to speak 
to the states of those who were often brought to see they were, 
not what the Lord required them to be, and in whom He raised 
at times desires that they might die the death of the righteous, 
and their latter end be like his. The character and example of 
the righteous were often brought before their view, and they- 
saw their own shortcomings ; yet refusing to yield to Divine 
conviction, they remained unchanged in heart, and the day of 
mercy was passing away. These were fervently pleaded with, to 
yield to the drawings of Divine love, and they would know the 
nature of the lion to be put off, and that of the lamb to take its 
place ; old things would be done away, and all things be made 
new, and all things of God. The opportunity was closed with 
prayer and thanksgiving. In the afternoon, we rode toE. L.'s, 
where we parted with our friends J. and M. B. 

13th. Attended Exeter Meeting, which was rather larger than 
usual ; in which we were both engaged to labor for the encour- 
agement and growth of the members in the right way. I hoped 
some Divine quickening was felt in both these meetings. Went 
to the residence of our aged friend John Lee and wife. He is 
in an afflicted state of body. It afforded us much satisfaction 
to find our aged friends so alive to the blessed cause, committed 
in trust to our religious Society ; and they seemed to be refresh- 
ed as well as ourselves by the visit. 

14th. We were brought to the railroad, and reached our 
home early in the afternoon. 

19th. The Monthly Meeting of the Western District, was 
held to-day, which I was drawn to visit. The company was 
unusually large ; and after a time of silent waiting, the stirring 
of the Lord's power was felt, under which I was gradually en- 
abled to preach the gospel of salvation, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ ; showing that the work of regeneration had its begin- 
ning in the heart, through obedience to the manifestations of 
his Spirit, in little things. Our Saviour thanked the Father 
that He had hid the things of his kingdom from the wise and 
prudent, and revealed them unto babes. To be brought into 
this blessed experience, we must become babes in Christ; and 
the only way to experience the new birth and change of heart 
unto righteousness, is by faithfulness to the requisitions of the 
Divine will, made known in us. Many things were brought 
forth out of the treasury, by Him who alone has the key and 






378 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1845. 

command of it; and through Divine mercy and condescension 
the baptizing and solemnizing power of Christ, went forth over 
the assembly; to the comfort and strength of the hungry, weary 
and exercised ones. Oh ! that I may be enabled in humility 
and abasedness of soul to offer the tribute of thanksgiving and 
praise to Him who hath all power in his hand ; and to walk be- 
fore Him with increasing fear and reverence, for all his great 
condescension and unmerited compassion towards me, a poor 
creature, and towards his church and people. 

26th. This afternoon, my wife and myself went to visit a 
Friend in the country. There is a union of spirit between 
those who see eye to eye, and their countenances and company 
are cheering. Where the Son of Peace abides, a harmonious 
converse can be maintained between fellow travellers on the 
heavenly journey. Their experiences and their Divine open- 
ings, with which their mutual Lord and Leader has instructed 
them, are brought forth from the treasury as things which are 
new and yet old. Such converse is both entertaining, and, at 
times, very strengthening, and according with the practice of 
the earliest disciples. Two of them walked from Jerusalem to 
Emmaus. talking as they went, of the things which had just 
transpired. Jesus joined himself to them, and asked, "What 
manner of communications are these that ye have one to an- 
other, as ye walk, and are sad?" At a time of singular trial and 
disappointment, it was natural for them to speak upon that 
which lay the nearest to their hearts. And so it is now. Dis- 
ciples of the same Master will commune upon their trials, and 
the straits and besetments of the church, as well as upon its 
hopes and encouraging prospects. Paul talked with his con- 
temporary believers, on one occasion, until break of day. In 
old time, when the proud were called happy, and they that 
worked wickedness were set up, and they that tempted God 
were delivered ; " Then they that feared the Lord spake often 
one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a 
book of remembrance was written before Him, for them that 
feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall 
be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up 
my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own 
son that serveth him." This has been the case with the devo- 
ted children of God in various ages since that period ; and 



1845.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 379 

thereby they have consoled one another; and he that watered, 
was watered himself. 

Twelfth month 4th. Both inwardly and outwardly, clouds and 
darkness have prevailed much. Faith has been put to the test; 
but I have endeavored to keep patient, and hope for brighter 
days. Went to the Arch Street Meeting, and there was a little 
qualified to unfold the roll written with mourning ; and to set 
forth, that in these dispensations, the Lord teaches man his own 
impotence, and that all good comes from Him. The stream of 
the ministry rose a little, to the help of the preacher, and we 
may hope some others. Came away with a thankful heart that 
mercy and goodness were not yet clean passed away from such 
a poor creature. 

7th. At our meeting yesterday, the administration of con- 
demnation to those who have been living in sin, was presented, 
as among the mercies of Him, who willeth not the spiritual 
death and everlasting separation from the heavenly host, of a 
single soul which He hath created. " ]STo chastening for the 
present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous ; nevertheless, after- 
wards, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them 
that are exercised thereby." And "Whom the Lord loveth He 
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son that He receiveth." If we 
are without chastisement, we are not the true-born sons and 
daughters of God. I endeavored to persuade some to endure 
these dispensations, that they might receive the gift of repent- 
ance ; and be restored into Divine favor. I felt encouraged be- 
fore going to meeting, with a gentle intimation, which I hoped 
was from the Divine Fountain ; that all our trials will be light 
in comparison with the reward at the end of the journey ; and 
if they contributed to prepare us for that happy consummation, 
they should be esteemed as the greatest blessings. 

14th. First-day of the week, one of the most inclement we 
have had this winter ; snow and ice and rain to walk through 
to meeting ; the clouds dark, and the air thick and smoky. Our 
meeting was larger than we anticipated : silent in the morning ; 
in the afternoon, a little was expressed, on the necessity of 
meeting and waiting, not only in a belief of the doctrine, that 
Christ is in the midst of those who gather in his name, but in 
feeling after Him, that we may be sensible of the quickening 
power of his presence ; qualifying us to ask the Father, in his 
name, for what we have need of. The evening assembly was 



380 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

very small ; and before the hour was fully come, the gaslights 
nearly all suddenly disappeared, owing to the meter becoming 
covered with water from rain and melting snow. The little 
company, except a few who went for lamps and candles, kept 
steady to their places ; the house was again sufficiently lighted, 
and it was thought by many to be a good meeting. I hope 
that the Lord was our helper, and that some strength and com- 
fort were imparted to weary souls, longing for deliverance from 
sin. 

21st. We had a comfortable and solemn meeting this morn- 
ing; in which the paramount importance of keeping an eye to 
the eternal recompense of reward ; and, like Moses, choosing to 
suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than enjoy the 
pleasures of sin for a season ; esteeming the reproaches of Christ 
greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt, was held forth to 
the meeting. In the evening, we had a peculiarly solemn time; 
my dear wife being clearly opened on the importance of the min- 
istry, and the indispensable need of abasedness of the creature, 
in those engaged in the solemn work ; and was afterwards en- 
gaged in supplication. We have rarely sat under more solid 
weight and deep silence, than that in which the meeting was 
closed. 

1846, Third month 14th. We have had rather a trying win- 
ter, from cold and snow, and the great variableness of the wea- 
ther. It has been so to me in a spiritual respect. Clouds of 
discouragement, and fear of being or getting wrong have hung 
over me, from day to day ; in part occasioned by the peculiar 
state of our religious Society, and doubtless also designed to 
humble the creature, and to produce a more weighty and watch- 
ful state of mind. If I can but be favored with the protection 
and guidance of the Holy Spirit, so as to walk with acceptance 
before the Lord, and to show forth the excellency of the religion 
of Christ, all these afflictions will be of little moment, except so 
far as they have contributed to this all-important end. 

In the Second month, I attended Abington Quarterly Meeting; 
in which I felt much for the trembling and diffident ones, who 
love the blessed Truth, and. desire to do the Divine will, and 
yet have many fears. To these there appeared to be a word of 
comfort, and tender invitation to hold fast that which they had 
received, and to follow the Master; putting their trust con- 
stantly in Him ; and a way would be made for them. 



1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 381 

Having a desire to be at Bucks Quarterly Meeting, my wife 
and I took stage for New Hope, on the 25th ult., and got that 
afternoon to our worthy and honorable friend's, Ruth Ely, whose 
hospitable residence is a pleasant lodging-place for those who 
love and serve the Lord Jesus. She gave us a very cordial re- 
ception, as a mother in Israel towards her children. As the 
stage did not leave the city on third-day, we were not at their 
Meeting of Ministers and Elders. The meeting for business 
was a favored opportunity, during the part allotted for Divine 
worship ; the mourners being cheered and refreshed by the visit 
and labors of their friends. Returned to our resting-place, 
where we had the company of Christopher Healy, a devoted 
minister of Christ, and one who feels a deep interest in the doc- 
trines and testimonies of the gospel held by Friends, having 
adopted them from convincement of their truth; and" long faith- 
fully advocated them before small and great. We spent the 
evening to our mutual comfort. Next day we made two visits 
to some Friends of Solebury; and on seventh-day, got back to 
the city; the weather cold, and snow falling through the day 
and that night. The retrospect of the little excursion was 
peaceful ; it being a duty we owe to aged, experienced Friends, 
to visit, and, as we are enabled, encourage and animate them in 
the closing days of their earthly pilgrimage. 

Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting being held this week, E. Pit- 
field, my wife and myself went over to it. That for Ministers 
and Elders, was to us a low, and rather trying meeting. The 
cruel enemy is at work in every way he can devise, to lay waste 
the unity, and all capacity for usefulness in the church, and in 
the world. We endeavored, according to what we apprehend- 
ed was required, to warn some, and to strengthen the watchful 
travailer. 

The meeting on fifth-day was pretty large, man} 7 young and 
middle-aged Friends being there. My wife and E. Pitfield had 
acceptable service, while I sat in poverty, expecting to have 
little to do ; but, very unlooked for, the declaration of the pro- 
phet Jeremiah, in relation to the Jews forsaking the Fountain 
of living water, and hewing out cisterns that could hold no 
water, was brought before me. There was a quickening virtue 
accompanied, and after some waiting, it appeared proper to rise 
with it, and to declare that it described the cause of all our dif- 
ficulties. I was led to show the process of the work of regene- 



382 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

ration, commenced by the inshining of the light of Christ in 
man's dark heart ; its convictions for sin ; and, as yielded to, its 
making an entire change in him. Nothing could begin and 
carry on this work, but the Author and Finisher of the saints' 
faith ; and the Lord would not give his glory to any of man's 
devices. Nothing is fit to receive the water of life, but regene- 
rated souls, sanctified vessels in the Lord's house ; and if we 
changed our glory for that which profiteth not ; hewing out 
cisterns that can hold no water, desolation would overspread 
the Society. The language of affectionate entreaty was held 
out to the young people, to enlist under Christ's banner, and to 
follow Him in the way of the cross. The work is the Lord's, 
and He alone can carry it on ; before whom we are bound to 
bow in reverent thankfulness for the least of his mercies, and 
with prayer and supplication, as the Spirit gives ability, to ask 
Him for the continuance of his preserving power, and for wis- 
dom and strength to serve Him, in the gospel of his dear Son. 
I returned to the city, leaving my wife to make some visits she 
has had on her mind a long time. 

Fifth month 7th. This morning I received intelligence of the 
death of that deep and extraordinarily gifted minister and ser- 
vant of Christ, Ann Jones, of Stockport, England. She visited 
this country about the period of the separation, in 1827-8, and 
was a sharp threshing instrument in the hand of the Lord, 
against the spirit of infidelity, then making fearful inroads upon 
many, under the name of Friends, who knew very little of their 
principles, or of the sanctifying power of Divine Grace, ruling 
in their hearts. Her controversy was with the leaders and 
principals, who were working in the dark, to draw away ig- 
norant and unwary members, into the mazes of unbelief, and 
into contempt for the unyielding advocates of Christ's gospel, 
and his authority in the church. She was one of the most fear- 
less soldiers in the Lamb's army, and by his w T isdom and strength, 
was often instrumental in discomfiting the enemies of Christ; 
while she infused courage and firmness into the hearts of the 
little flock in different places, on whose shoulders rested with 
weight, the support of the principles and discipline of the So- 
ciety. When she informed the Yearly Meeting of Ministers 
and Elders, that she felt liberated to return home, Wm. Jack- 
son, of West Grove, expressed his unity with her, and said, she 
had come amongst us in the same power and spirit with which 



1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 383 

Samuel Fothergill visited this country, whom he had heard in 
the ministry. 

Thus one after another of the Lord's anointed servants are 
gathered to their everlasting rest in Christ ; which is felt to be 
a great trial in this day of scattering, and of rebellion against 
the law and the testimony; the number of valiant and unflinch- 
ing soldiers seeming to be few in every place. But the Lord is 
strong and mighty, and in his time will give the victory to his 
tribulated people, who hold fast their integrity to Him; trust- 
ing in his mercy and power, and not in their own understand- 
ing. 

10th. I attended Germantown Meeting. Being first-day, I 
was pleased to see the number who came; many of them in the 
prime of life, and younger. I was enabled to plead with some, 
for greater devotion to the Lord's will ; and to show to others that 
however humble their lot, or of little importance they might feel 
themselves to be in the world, there were duties for them to 
fulfil; and if they were faithful, they would be regarded by 
Him who watches over his people ; they would grow from sta- 
ture to stature, and their example would tend to draw others 
to the blessed Truth : they would be preachers of righteous- 
ness, and qualified to stand as witnesses to the doctrines and 
testimonies which Friends are called to support. Their afflic- 
tions would be sanctified to them, and through their faithful- 
ness, there would be ground to hope, that a seed would be pre- 
served in that place. The compassion of our blessed Saviour, 
as portrayed by the parable of th» householder, who went out 
at different hours of the day and hired men to labor in his vine- 
yard, even to the eleventh hour, was held up to the view of 
some, who had been wasting their precious time until the day 
is far spent. When he settled with the laborers, he began at 
the last and went on to the first, giving each the same reward. 
Showing that while we ought not to presume upon Divine 
mercy, so we ought not to attempt to limit, or to despair of it, 
when He condescends to place before us, as the handwriting on 
the wall, our true condition ; and to invite us to leave all and 
enter with Him into the vineyard of the heart and labor. I 
thought Divine mercy was near, and that some hearts were con- 
trited, under a fresh and living sense of it. I returned home 
with feelings of peacefulness. 

14th. Was at the Arch Street week-day meeting. The 



384 . JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

meekness and gentleness of Christ, and the patient and unresist- 
ing endurance of suffering, of which He set us an example, 
were much upon my mind. The prophet declared that He will 
not break the bruised reed. He shall not strive nor cry, neither 
shall any man hear his voice in the streets ; }^et He will finally 
bring forth judgment unto Truth. He was led as a lamb to the 
slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He 
opened not his mouth. He suffered for our sins, the just for the 
unjust. It pleased the Father, in bringing many sons to glory, 
to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffer- 
ings. And the more we are brought to be like Him, the better 
it will be for us. Whatever is going on around us, it is needful 
to remember that there is a work for every one to be engaged 
in within himself. It is here we are to know Christ Jesus to be 
our Saviour, and to give us strength to carry on that work. 
This is what is greatly wanting within our own religious So- 
ciety. Many who take part in its concerns, are greatly involved 
in the world and its pursuits. " The love of money is the root 
of all evil; which, while some covet after, they have erred from 
the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows;" 
erred from that faith which is the saints' victory, and of which 
Christ is the author. 

16th. My dear wife feeling drawn to attend the meeting at 
West Chester, we left home this morning and reached the vil- 
lage about eleven o'clock. The weather was fine on first-day; 
and a pretty large company collected at the meeting-house. 
She had acceptable service among them. We were taken to 
Westtown School towards evening. Yegetation is now in its 
most luxuriant state ; the grass, shrubbery and trees, in the 
boys' and girls' walks, present a freshness and foliage, which 
make the premises a delightful scene, and contribute to health- 
fulness and exhilaration of spirits; of no small advantage in the 
hours of relaxation from study. 

18th. From here we went to Concord, where we attended 
the Quarterly Meeting, and had some service. 

Sixth month 16th. Feeling a gentle pointing to the North 
Meeting, I went there this morning. My mind was opened on 
the preciousness and necessity of unity ; that unity of the Spirit 
which our Lord spoke of in his prayer to the Almighty Father, 
for his disciples; " That they all may be one ; as thou, Father, 
art in me and I in thee; that they also may be one in us." This 



1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 385 

unity subsists among those who are born of the Spirit, the in- 
corruptible Seed and Word of God, which liveth and abideth 
forever. I felt very desirous that Friends might keep on the 
watch, against everything that tends to alienate from one an- 
other ; not being ready to take up unfavorable apprehensions 
about each other ; bat to stand still in the Light, that they may 
have those things which may grow into a barrier between them, 
removed ; and their hearts more and more sweetened by Di- 
vine love. Samuel Bettle, Sr., closed the meeting with suppli- 
cation. 

21st. Being first-day. At our meeting, I was led to. extend a 
renewed call to those who were taking their ease and enjoyment 
in the comforts of life, and in great danger of forgetting their 
Heavenly Father, the bountiful G-iver of all we have. Some 
who had set out, with very humble views and desires, in rela- 
tion to earthly possessions, may let go their exercise when 
things, through industry, grow lighter, and they are released 
from the anxiety they once felt about the means of subsistence. 
When this takes place, the eye which once saw, may be again 
blinded, and the lively sense they once had of the importance 
of the cause of Christ, above everything else, may be gradually 
blunted ; and then when we meet for the solemn act of Divine 
worship, the things of the world bring a stupor over the meeting, 
and the great object of coming together is almost altogether 
frustrated in some. I hoped that through the tender mercy of 
the Shepherd of Israel, there was a little of his quickening 
power felt. The warning, and yet confiding language of 1*he 
apostle was brought into view, " Oh death, where is thy sting? 
Oh grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin, and 
the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who 
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." The 
awful period will arrive to every one, when, above everything 
else, it will be of the utmost consequence to be able in truth, 
and in our own experience, to adopt that language. But only 
through obedience to the Lord Jesus, can w T e know this victory, 
and be enabled to thank God for it. 

29th. Our beloved friend Hannah L. Smith, a minister, who, 
previous to her marriage, was a member of the Southern Dis- 
trict Monthly Meeting, died last week and was buried to-day. 
Attending the burial, I felt impelled to preach Christ crucified 
and glorified, and also appearing by his Spirit in the heart. I 



386 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

reminded the company, that the period would arrive to them, 
when, if they had a right understanding, it would be the most 
desirable thing to realize the testimony of the beloved disciple, 
that those who had come out of great tribulation, and washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, 
should hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall 
the sun light on them, nor any heat. " For the Lamb which is in 
the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto 
living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from 
their eyes." This would be of the greatest importance to us at 
the day of account, whether rich or poor ; and we must all stand 
before the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an account of the 
deeds done in the body. Then, all the riches and gratification, 
the honor and pomp of this world, would be lighter than a fea- 
ther, in comparison with that exceeding and eternal weight of 
glory, which would be revealed to the saints in light. I declar- 
ed that Christ took upon Him the body prepared of the Father, 
to do his will in, and offered Himself a most holy and satisfac- 
tory sacrifice for the sins of the world ; that He suffered for our 
sins, the just for the unjust; that He might bring us to God. 
But it was only as we opened the door of our hearts and let 
Him come in ; and witnessed Him to sit as a refiner's fire, and 
as a fuller with soap, removing all impurity, washing us in the 
laver of regeneration, and renewing us by his Holy Spirit, that 
we could know our garments made white in his precious blood, 
and experience our past sins to be blotted out ; having on the 
wedding garment, and being accepted in Him, the Beloved. I 
spake from the necessity laid upon me ; my mouth being open- 
ed almost before I was aware. 

Seventh month 5th. I felt drawn to attend the Western 
Meeting, which considering the season, was a pretty large meet- 
ing. Through Divine condescension, my mind was early 
brought into a waiting state ; and the expression of our dear 
Lord was presented before me : " Where I am, there shall my 
servant be also." This appeared to me applicable to all who 
serve Him, whatever place they occupy in the church of Christ. 
" If any man serve me, him will my Father honor." It is a great 
favor to be with Christ, whether in suffering or rejoicing ; but 
to experience this, we must serve Him daily, by obeying his 
will manifested unto us by his Spirit. I was favored to accom- 



1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 387 

plish the service that appeared to be required, with comfort to 
myself, and I trust to some who were present. 

11th. The Monthly Meeting of Upper Evesham occurring on 
the 11th, my wife and myself went to Medford in the stage. 
We found the spirits of many of the rightly exercised members 
depressed with the distressing condition of our Society, and with 
the fathers and mothers among them being few, to watch over 
and to strengthen those who love the Truth. We were intro- 
duced into sympathy with them, both the older and the middle 
rank; and through holy help, were enabled to minister to them, 
in the openings of Divine life. We were refreshed, and rejoiced 
at the present favor; they that watered being watered them- 
selves, t 

The 12th, being first-day, we attended the meeting again ; 
some not belonging to Friends coming in. My wife first min- 
istered to them ; and after waiting some time in silence, I was 
led to hold up the necessity of inward, heart-changing religion, 
and to caution some against supposing that this work was fin- 
ished, by yielding to the first visitation ; and against the disad- 
vantage of talking away the heavenly impressions. After being 
grafted in the Yine, and become fruit-bearing branches, we re- 
quire frequent purging, to prepare for bringing forth more fruit. 
We returned home on the 14th, well satisfied with the visit. 

Eighth month 3d. To-day was held our Quarterly Meeting. 
A religious weight and solemnity were spread over us, and sev- 
eral Friends were engaged in the ministry. 

13th. My wife having gone to Woodbury to attend the Quar- 
terly Meeting there, I went dow^n this morning and joined her. 
It is a small company, but there are some honest, well-concern- 
ed Friends, who feel the depressed condition of the church, and 
mourn over the want of a greater number of lively laborers in 
the good cause. My wife and Eachel Thornton appeared in 
testimony, and I followed them; bringing to view some of the 
exhortations of Christ to enter into labor for the bread and the 
water of life, individually. Many are willing to be fed who are 
not willing to work ; they are fond of the honey, but, like the 
drones in the hive, do not endeavor to gather it. This easy, 
lethargic disposition, is robbing the Society of strength, and 
landing those who are overtaken with it, in spiritual death, and 
alienation from the Lord of life and glory. My wife closed the 
meeting with solemn supplication, that our Heavenly Father 



388 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

would grant some token of his love and remembrance of his 
suffering children ; and renew and strengthen their faith, which 
seems at times to be greatly reduced. In the afternoon, we 
visited our friend Joseph Whitall, who is in such a reduced state 
of health as not to be able to go to meeting. We returned to 
our peaceful home next morning. 

18th. Was at the North Meeting ; in which great weakness 
was the clothing of my mind, for some time after sitting down 
with them. But the Lord condescended to my low estate • and 
out of weakness I was enabled, by his strength, to declare his 
goodness and mercy to them that love and serve Him. The 
testimony of David was revived, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I 
shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; 
He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul ; 
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me • thy rod and thy staff 
they comfort me." It was a good day. 

19th. Having a gentle draft to the Western Quarterly Meet- 
ing, my friend J. S. took me to London Grove. On our way we 
called at Westtown School, took tea, and rode to B. S.'s, where 
we were kindly received. 

20th. Fifth-day morning. The Select Meeting was a small 
body, having but one man and one woman acknowledged as 
ministers. There was a word of encouragement for the upright 
but tried few, among them. Being quite unwell, the humbling 
hand of the Lord seemed to be upon me, yet patience and 
strength were granted to bear up. In the meeting, next day, 
David Cope delivered a testimony to the unchangeable charac- 
ter of the conditions of salvation. That through Grace, man 
may comply with them, and partake of the blessings of the gos- 
pel. If he refuses, the truth will remain the same, and he must 
take the consequences of his disobedience. The great spread 
and influence of the spirit and principles of infidelity, and the 
danger of living in its atmosphere, came before me. Great sub- 
tlety and sophistry are used by some of talents, to lay waste the 
Holy Scriptures, and into a fearful pit of death and darkness 
they sometimes plunge themselves. But they cannot destroy 
or change the truth of God; the consequences of their wilful 
unbelief will fall on themselves. Living among such people is 
dangerous ; their example and their dark spirits tend to produce 






1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 389 

indifference to religion ; and some who turn their back upon the 
Trutn, go into the politics and policies of the world ; others intv 
the love and pursuit of money; others into the pleasures and 
gratifications of time and sense. In this way we are surround- 
ed by dangers of various kinds, out of which nothing can pre- 
serve us, but obedience to the secret illuminations of the Spirit 
of Christ; showing us what we are, and what we are to for- 
sake, that we may be made by Him what He would have us to 
be. As we follow Him, our example will be a constant protest 
against the unbelief and the lethargy surrounding us ; and thus 
we shall be more likely to put a stop to its progress, than by 
any arguments we can advance against the principles of the in- 
fidel, or the mere man of the world. I thought some renewed 
ability was given to speak to the states of the people, and solem- 
nity spread over the meeting. 

Ninth month 8th. I have passed most of our meetings for 
months in silence ; and not unfrequently without much evidence 
of the stirrings of Divine life, and the mantle of sorrow and 
mourning has been the covering of my spirit. Last fourth-day 
it seemed to be my duty to say some close things to those who 
were laying up treasures for themselves, and making use of the 
outward blessings of a beneficent Providence, to gratify and 
exalt themselves ; that they might appear grand and be highly 
thought of by others ; instead of looking upon themselves as 
stewards, and accountable for the right appropriation of their 
earthly substance. Such were advised to put away their jewels 
and their ornaments out of sight, and repair to Bethel, to renew 
their covenants with the Lord. Little relief, however, seemed 
to follow, but if it is of the Lord, He will reward for faithful- 
ness. 

13th. A day of inward conflict and of mourning, on account 
of the absence of the Beloved of souls. In the afternoon, there 
was some ability to look towards the Lord's holy temple, with 
hope that his sustaining power was not withdrawn. 

14th. I had thought of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting yes- 
terday, but with no expectation of going to it ; yet this morn- 
ing, on rising, it came before me with some quickening effect ; 
and after breakfasting, feeling afraid to put from me what 
seemed to be a pointing to that meeting, I crossed the river, and 
took stage for the place, and got there while- Friends were con- 
vening. After a season of inward waitings upon the Lord, I 
26 



390 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

was drawn forth to speak of the trial of faith, which is more 
precious than gold, that perisheth, though it be tried in the fire ; 
that we may experience everything opposed to heavenly purity 
removed j and after the refinement for the time is passed 
through, witness the lifting up of the light of the Glorious 
Countenance upon us. Encouragement was communicated to 
exercised members among them, to put their trust in Him, in 
whom there is everlasting strength, and follow Him faithfully. 
Others were warned against engaging in any cause under a re- 
ligious profession which is not the Lord's cause ; and those who, 
at times, are brought under conviction by the internal discove- 
ries of the Light of Christ, were affectionately and fervently 
solicited to give up to the heavenly vision, which is not at their 
command. These days of the Son of Man, in which by his 
grace, He brings salvation to us, and calls on us to deny ungod- 
liness and the world's lusts, and to live soberljr, and righteously, 
and godly in the world,' the Father hath reserved in his own 
hand. I felt constrained to bow the knee, and to commemorate 
the Lord's goodness, in visiting and bringing us out of darkness 
into his light, and to implore the continued extension of his 
protecting power to the end of our earthly pilgrimage ; that 
through the blood of Christ, and the sanctification of the Sj)irit, 
we might, in the end, be permitted to enter the glorious king- 
dom of everlasting rest. Some hearts were touched and com- 
forted ; and though I felt empty, I hoped it was in the way of 
duty. Returned home in the evening. 

Tenth month 1st. My wife, my sister H. Rhoads, and my- 
self, attended Goshen Monthly Meeting ; it was a solid meeting, 
in which the spring of gospel ministry was opened in several, 
to our mutual comfort and strength. 

19th. The Friends appointed by the Meeting for Sufferings, 
to examine certain doctrinal works, which have given the So- 
ciety much uneasiness and disturbance, convened at three o'clock 
this afternoon. They were favored with a covering of religious 
weight and solemnity; and after a time of silent waiting, the 
minute of their appointment was read. Friends deliberately 
expressed their views, of the course proper to be taken, in the 
investigation, in which there appeared and was felt much har- 
mony ; after which, some Friends were named to enter upon 
the work, and draw up such a document as would show the dis- 



1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 391 

agreement of many parts of those works, with the doctrines 
ever held by the Society. 

29th. Went to Newtown Meeting, where I found a small 
company assembled, for the purpose of Divine worship ; and 
having been for many days in a low state, I was prepared by 
the good band of the Lord, to enter into sympathy with them. 
They appeared to need encouragement, and also to be stirred up 
to a more fervent travail of spirit, that they might know the 
work of regeneration to be progressing in themselves. Through 
the humbling, quickening power of Him, who is the resurrec- 
tion and the life, I was enabled to visit the precious seed, kept 
down in some hearts, and not enough cherished in others ; and 
I believe it was in some of them, raised into dominion in good 
degree. We were humbled and tendered together, and thanks- 
giving w T as secretly offered for the favor vouchsafed. 

Eleventh month 1st. Was opened our evening meeting for 
the winter. I was engaged towards the close, to warn our 
young people, in the love of the gospel, of the many snares 
which the enemy is spreading to entangle them ; and to persuade 
them to yield to the convictions of the grace of their Redeemer; 
that they might escape the remorse which the disobedient and 
impenitent bring upon themselves. 

2d. The Quarterly Meeting for Discipline was a season of 
much inward conflict. 

3d. Feeling an impression of religious duty to attend Stan- 
ford Quarterly Meeting in New York, I mentioned the subject 
to the Monthly Meeting, which gave me a minute of its unity, 
to visit that and the meetings composing it. My dear friend 
Joseph Snowden, agreeing to accompany me, we took passage 
to New York ; but owing to the fog on the Delaware, we were 
detained nearly two and a half hours, and did not get into the 
city much before one o'clock in the morning. Lodged at a public 
hotel, and took the seven o'clock boat on the North River. We 
landed at Poughkeepsie, a little before one o'clock; dined, and 
towards evening left for S. Upton's. 

On the 5th we went to the Select Meeting, which in some re- 
spects, was rather a trying time. 

6th. Attended the Meeting for Discipline. After several 
communications and a time of silence, I believed it my place to 
call the attention of some to the inward work of religion, inviting 
the young and the middle-aged to come under the yoke of Christ; 



392 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

and encouraging the tribulated ones who had experienced the 
work in good measure, to look to the Lord alone, who would 
preserve all such in their deepest trials, and in his time make a 
way for them, and for his church to surmount them all. It was 
laborious at first, but the life rose finally into some good do- 
minion. In the second meeting, towards the close, I felt en- 
gaged to exhort the upright hearted to support the discipline, 
and our testimonies and doctrines, in the wisdom and strength 
which Christ alone gives. Returned to S. Upton's, and next 
day visited two Friend's families ; having religious opportuni- 
ties in both. 

8th. First-day morning we went to the Creek Meeting, 
where a pretty large company assembled. For some time I sat 
under fear, that some were more disposed to hear words, than 
to get the mind withdrawn from things without, and centred 
upon the Lord alone. I was led to remind them that the great 
object of our thus assembling, was to feel after Him, as the apos- 
tle expresses, if haply we may find Him, who is not far from 
every one of us, for in Him we live, and move, and have our 
being. Many subjects were gradually opened before me; among 
which was the conscientious strictness which the Lord requires, 
even from the earliest visitations of his love and power, to per- 
form our moral duties justly, and uprightly, as in his presence. 
This I could testify from experience, after I was brought to sub- 
mit to his grace. The humbling power of the Lord came over 
us, so that some were tendered by its heavenly influence. Dined 
at Paul Upton's, and a meeting being appointed at three o'clock, 
at Stanford, we rode over, but were a little belated. There 
were a number of persons not professing with us, besides 
Friends, who were assembled. The importance of a careful edu- 
cation of their children, imbuing their minds with a love for 
the truths of Holy Scripture, enforced by example, and a solid 
concern for their everlasting welfare, presented to my mind, 
with the instance of Timothy. The apostle mentioned to him 
the unfeigned faith which dwelt in his grandmother Lois, and 
his mother Eunice, and he was persuaded at that time, in him 
also. They had been, no doubt, watchful over him from early 
life. From a child, says the apostle, thou hast known the 
Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salva- 
tion through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. This shows the 
benefit which godly parents, who are in the true faith them- 



1846.] JOURNAL OF WILLTAM EVANS. 393 

selves, n ay be to their offspring, in bringing them up in the 
right way of the Lord, and be instrumental in guarding them 
from many evils. One very serious danger arises from the so- 
ciety of those who undervalue, and endeavor to destroy the 
authority of the Holy Scriptures, and to poison the young 
people with their sophistry. I felt bound to warn parents and 
guardians solemnly against permitting the children entrusted 
to them to mingle with such society ; from which they might 
suffer irreparable injury. It is not often I have felt more sensi- 
bly, the necessity of closely watching against the insidious ap- 
proaches of the spirit of infidelity ; which is like the poison of 
asps under the tongues of some hardened, darkened people ; and 
that the elderly part of society may be instrumental in leading 
the young people to Christ; that they maybe preserved, and 
through the operation of his Divine power on their minds, 
may grow up in good liking before Him, and in their day, be fitted 
for and engaged to advocate his precious cause on the earth. 
We lodged at our ancient friend J. F. Hull's hospitable residence, 
where we had the company of some Friends, and a religious op- 
portunity before retiring to rest. 

9th. Second-day. Our beloved friend Paul Upton, took us 
to North East, where we had an appointed meeting, which my 
companion thought was a good time ; the meeting ending in 
supplication for the little flock, and our mutual preservation to 
the close of our earthly pilgrimage. 

10th. Attended a meeting appointed at the Creek, by a 
Friend from Vermont, in which I was silent. In the afternoon, 
Smith Upton took us to visit several Friends, with two of whom 
we had religious opportunities. 

11th. Went to S. M.'s, near Hudson, where we lodged, and 
were very kindly and comfortably accommodated. Next day, 
were at their usual week-day meeting. After a Friend travelling 
with a minute, had relieved his mind, I felt drawn to encourage 
the few mourning, and often desolate ones there, to individual 
faithfulness, in the work of their soul's salvation ; by which 
they would be prepared to lead others in the right way ; and to 
uphold the doctrines and testimonies held by Friends, by consist- 
ent lives and conversation. Some who were deeply immersed 
in the spirit and pursuit of the world, its riches or its applause, 
were pleaded with to come out of those things. They were re- 
minded of the uncertainty of all earthly gratifications, by the 



394 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1846. 

instance which our blessed Saviour gives, of the man who, after 
building storehouses and barns, to contain his goods, said, 
" Soul, thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years; 
take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But Grod said unto 
him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee, then 
whose shall those things be which thou hast provided." It ap- 
peared to me there were those present who had great need to 
lay these things to heart, and to seek the Lord while the day 
of mercy lasts, lest the night overtake them, in which no man 
can work. J. W. knelt and supplicated, that the word 
preached might not return void of the purpose whereunto it 
was sent. 

13th. This morning, S. M. took us to Hudson, and crossing 
the river at Athens, we found our friend L. B., waiting for us; 
with whom we rode to his house at Coemans. His residence 
is on elevated ground, from which we have a very extensive 
prospect ; the Catskill Mountains in the south, farms and vil- 
lages on the North Eiver for several miles, and a part of Massa- 
chusetts, and I believe, of Connecticut, in the east. We had an 
interesting visit there, and on the following morning a religious 
opportunity with the family ; and then rode over to his father's. 
On our way thither we made a visit to two aged Friends ; the 
man is in his eighty-seventh year, and his wife, in her eight}-- 
eighth; but her faculties appeared clear; they have been married 
sixty-five years. Sheis a minister, lively in spirit, and expressed 
that she was glad to see us, and considered it an evidence she 
was not forgotten of her Heavenly Father. After dinner, and 
before we came away, I mentioned the satisfaction it afforded, 
to meet with one who kept her integrity, and her interest in 
the great cause, to so late a period of life. It was clear to me, 
that the covenant of life, and of peace, with such dedicated and 
innocent spirited ones, would not be broken ; but the tender 
regard, of their Heavenly Father, would be extended to them 
to the end. I attended their meeting, and being first-day, it 
was large. I was, after a time, enabled to stand up, and to show 
there was much profession of religion, and much talk about it, 
without knowing the power of it ruling in the heart. Many 
things relating to this internal work, the offers of Divine mercy, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ ; the possibility of out-living the 
day of grace, and the awful consequences of dying in sin, were 
opened to the people, and the meeting ended'satisfactorily. Thence 



[1847. 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 395 



we were taken to Coxsackie, where we went on board one of the 
Albany steamboats, and got to New York in the night. It 
rained hard, but we went to the Philadelphia steamer, between 
five and six o'clock, and reached our own homes about twelve 
o'clock ; thankful for preservation, and the peace I was favored 
with ; finding my beloved family in health and comfort of 
mind. 



CHAPTEE XIX 
1846—1847. 



-Yearly Meeting of 1847 — 
Work about Home — Second Religious Visit to North Carolina. 

1846, Twelfth month 21st. I have been let down into a low 
state, so that faith seemed ready to fail. These dispensations 
of the withdrawing of all sense of Divine good, have a very 
reducing effect upon self-importance; and teach us true charity 
and tenderness towards those who are in affliction, and those 
who may be wrong. I was brought to cry for mercy, and then 
to examine whether 1 had desired that mercy might be showed 
to others, as I desired it shown to myself. I believe I have craved 
it even for many, who I apprehended, had neither been nor done 
what they ought. But this state of seemingly entire desertion 
by our Heavenly Father, is a bitter cup to drink. May I be 
more humble, more steadily fearful of getting off the watch 
unto prayer, and more constant in resisting a light spirit, which 
would take its ease and indulgence on the sabbath day. We 
cannot pray when we please, but it is our duty to watch, and 
to wait for the pouring forth of the spirit of supplication, which 
produces a broken heart, and a contrite spirit ; and enables us to 
cry availingly to God for mercy, and for help to keep us from 
falling, through his dear Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 

1847, First month. Some things have arisen, increasing the 
difficulties of the present time, and the weight which the bur- 



396 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847. 

den-bearers have to support. Some are actuated by party feel- 
ings, and seem little to regard what affliction they add to those 
who stand for the cause and the testimonies of Christ. The 
number who heartily devote themselves to service and to suffer- 
ings, in these perilous times, is comparatively few. Many are 
afraid of their name among men, and of being identified with 
the despised suffering seed. All qualification for the ministry 
has been much withdrawn, and when I had some secret, yet al- 
most obscure intimation of the kind, I felt afraid of standing 
forth, lest I should fail ; and when I did give up, in fear, I was 
as one who had attempted to walk, and was in danger of falling, 
but I had some reason to believe, that in this season of weak- 
ness and timidity, the sense which some others had of it, tended 
to contrite and humble them. Strength and confidence in that 
everlasting Arm, which is the unfailing support of the Lord's 
baptized and devoted servants, were gradually restored; and 
the spring of the ministry was again opened, and things new 
and old, given me to declare to others, in the fresh authority 
and power of the unchanging Truth. 

10th. In our evening meeting, the essential importance of 
knowing the Lord Jesus revealed in our own hearts, and not only 
believing in the record of the Holy Scripture, in relation to his 
coming and suffering in the flesh, but also receiving Him in 
his spiritual, inward appearance, to break every yoke, and pre- 
pare the soul for the Lord G-od, by his spirit, to dwell in, was 
opened and enforced. Many can say much respecting Him, and 
what He has done for us, without us, who yet seem determined 
to keep Him without them ; while they judge and condemn 
those who plead for the inw 7 ard and spiritual knowledge of God 
and Christ, as well as for a full belief of all that He has done 
for us, in the prepared body ; and as our Mediator and Inter- 
cessor with the Father. 

15th. Was held our Meeting for Sufferings, in which a me- 
morial addressed to both Houses of Congress, against war, was 
adopted, and the committee nominated to prepare it, was direct- 
ed to have it presented; which was accordingly done. 

26th. This morning in the silence, after reading to my fami- 
ly in the New Testament, the Master, in tender mercy, drew 
near, and renewed my faith in Him, and in his unfailing good- 
ness; so that I was enabled to adopt in secret the language of 
his disciples, " Now we believe and are sure that thou art that 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 337 

Christ, the Son of the living God." Hereby we know that He 
is the author of all true and saving faith ■ when He manifests 
Himself to us, after seasons of great desertion, and clothes us 
afresh with it ; so that we are made sure that it is He and not 
another ; the immutable Eock which will sustain all who are 
built up by Him on it. Oh that I may be favored so to live as 
to continue to be a partaker of such marks of Divine mercy and 
kindness. 

Second month 1st. Our Quarterly Meeting was a season of 
inward suffering; the spring of Divine life not being felt to flow 
amongst us, to the solacing and cheering of the hearts of the 
burden -bearers. 

3d and 4th. My wife and myself attended Abington Quar- 
terly Meeting, held at Germantown, which is a small company, 
particularly the select meeting. To the members who compose 
this small body, the language of encouragement was extended ; 
and in the meeting for discipline of the general meeting, I was 
enabled to invite the young men to be faithful to the manifesta- 
tions of the Light of Christ, and they would feel themselves 
bound to maintain the doctrines and testimonies of the gospel 
held by Friends, wherever they went, both great and small. 
Hereby they would be prepared for service in the church, and 
be constrained in our meetings for discipline, to speak a word 
in the authority of Truth, at the Master's bidding, to the busi- 
ness before their meetings. They would feel it a religious duty 
to support the discipline, and to stand for the blessed cause, en- 
trusted to our Society to uphold in the world. 

Third month. On the 28th, being first-day, I went to the 
Northern District Meeting, feeling a particular draft there ; and 
was led to treat upon the beginning and growth of true religion 
in the heart ; which is through obedience to the requisitions of 
the blessed Saviour, made known there. Also to show the be- 
numbing, stupefying effects of a constant pursuit of riches ; in 
which the extraordinary talents bestowed upon man, by an all- 
wise and beneficent Creator, are prostituted to inferior objects ; 
so that he finally loves and serves the creature, himself and his 
temporal acquisitions, instead of the Creator. Thus the great 
and noble purpose for which he was made, to glorify God, is 
lost sight of, and altogether neglected. There was also a cup 
of consolation and encouragement to the sincere in heart, to keep 
their trust in the Lord alone j who never was foiled in battle ; 



398 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847. 

but whose omnipotent arm is round about to preserve, and will 
carry through and over all opposition, those who look to and 
confide in, and follow Him faithfully to the end. 

31st. I attended the Western District Meeting; and after 
some time of silent waiting, it opened to me, to show the way 
by which we come to obtain peace with God, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ; to wit, by denying ourselves, taking up the 
cross, and obeying his commands, as He makes them known to 
us by his Spirit. JSTo device of ours will be taken as a substi- 
tute. God will not give his glory to any other, but to his well- 
beloved Son, whom He hath given for salvation to the end of 
the earth ; and if we are saved, it will be by Him, and that by 
doing his will. To these He gives the reward of true peace, for 
every sacrifice and service, which is performed by his direction. 
The Lord helped me, by his saving strength, to preach the gos- 
pel of life and salvation, through Christ Jesus, both in the flesh as 
He walked among men, and in the Spirit, as He appears in our 
hearts by his light and grace, to the tendering of some present, 
and to my own peace and comfort. Blessed forever be his great 
and glorious name and power! He still condescends to the low 
estate of his poor unworthy creatures; lifts them up at times 
out of their depressed conditions; gives them the oil of joy for 
mourning, and shows to them, that He has not forgotten to be 
gracious ; unworthy as they are of the least of his mercies. 

Fourth month 12th. Yesterday morning my wife and myself 
went to Wilmington, to attend the funeral of our late beloved 
friend John Bullock, who died suddenly with apoplexy. He 
had of latter years become increasingly valuable to his friends, 
and to religious society ; his removal is a great affliction to his 
relatives, and trial to the meeting there. We felt deeply for 
them, and in much sympathy, believed it right to be at their 
meeting, on first-day, as well as to pay the last respect to the 
memory of our worthy friend. Both morning and afternoon 
meetings were favored opportunities ; many hearts being hum- 
bled and contrited, under a renewed sense of the Lord's mercy 
and tender compassion, even towards the rebellious. The 
honest, exercised remnant there, on whom much weight rests, 
for the sake of the cause and testimony of their God, were com- 
forted, and a little strengthened in the hope that He will not 
cast them off, or forsake his people, though He permits them to 
be closely proven in the removal of dear fellow helpers. We 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 399 

had cause to bless his holy name, for the evidence which He 
gave, that He grants the immediate help and strength of his 
Spirit, and puts words into the mouths of his servants, to speak 
to the people, in his authority, and to their refreshment ; at- 
tended with the conviction that they are handed from the Lord's 
treasury. 

26th. Our Yearly Meeting was held last week. I believe 
the Lord wrought for his faithful, dedicated children, and 
brought them through, to his honor, and to their comfort and 
humiliation. 

The reading of the document containing an exposition of er- 
roneous passages from the works of two writers in England, 
with the other minutes of the Meeting for Sufferings, occupied 
all third-day and part of fourth-day morning. Soon after fin- 
ishing, the manifestation of unity commenced, and a large num- 
ber expressed their satisfaction with the document. Opposition 
to it was, however, made by some ; to which little reply was 
offered, except so far as to explain some facts, which were mis- 
stated, in order to make clear the right of the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings, to prepare the exposition ; and that it was called for, in 
defence of our religious principles, and in defence of our own 
Yearly Meeting ; inasmuch as we had been frequently calling 
the attention of Friends in England to those writings, as con- 
taining sentiments inimical to the faith of Friends. Much 
patience and deliberation were manifested by those who united 
with the document. Many, as they had opportunity, seriously 
gave their voices in favor of it, after listening to the objections 
which were made. Friends in favor of the meeting sanctioning 
it, spoke in a decided and serious manner; and evidence was 
given, that it was the prevailing, solid sense of the meeting, it 
should be adopted ; and a minute to that effect was made ; to 
which, at the last, little opposition was offered ; and the meet- 
ing, in a short time, settled down in a quiet and peaceful feel- 
ing ; which satisfied many that it was owned by the Head of 
the church. To those who have been long burthened with the 
unsound opinions in these books, it was a great relief that the 
meeting was enabled to come to this decision ; and they be- 
lieved it was to be attributed to the superintendence and control- 
ling power of the Blessed Head of the church; and humble 
gratitude clothed their spirits. The remaining business of the 



400 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1847 



meeting was conducted with . solidity, and brought to a close, 
under feelings of -solemnity. 

Fifth month 13th. I attended Salem Quarterly Meeting, 
and felt my mind clothed with very affectionate desires, that 
all might be kept under a fervent travail of spirit, and thereby 
become fruit-bearing branches of the true Yine, to the praise of 
the Great Husbandman. The language of sympathy and en- 
couragement flowed to the true burden bearers, whose faith is 
proved, and great poverty of spirit their portion. And the 
young people were addressed in the language of persuasion, to 
obey the requirings of the Shepherd of the sheep, and turn their 
backs to the temptations of Satan, take up the cross and follow 
Christ ; who would prepare them to shine as lights, and to exalt 
and honor his name and glorious cause in the earth. It was a 
time of favor from the Lord, whose mercies are new every 
morning ; though we are often withheld from perceiving them. 
I returned home on sixth-day morning, the 14th, with a peaceful 
mind, replenished with a fresh sense of the benefits of mingling 
with our distant friends at the Lord's bidding; in which the 
invisible fellowship is strengthened and revived. 

Since this visit, I have been wading along under discourag- 
ing prospects of the condition of the Society, and with but little 
ability administered, to draw near to the inexhaustible Foun- 
tain, either in or out of meeting. This has excited desires for 
increasing watchfulness, and solid demeanor before all. 

Sixth month 1st. My wife and myself went early this morn- 
ing to Woodbury, and attended their Monthly Meeting ; in 
which both of us had some service. 

8th. After calling at the recent residence of our cousin Ann 
Scattergood, who died the preceding evening; I went to the 
Northern District Meeting, and sitting under much poverty of 
spirit, even while a dear Friend was engaged in the ministry ; 
there seemed finally to be a little quickening virtue felt, under 
which I was engaged to bear testimony to the sufficiency of the 
everlasting Shepherd and Captain of salvation, to carry on the 
work, in and through his faithful children, to the end of their 
heavenly journey. " Oh that [my people] were wise, that they 
understood this, that they would consider their latter end ! How 
should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, 
except their Rock had sold them and the Lord had shut them 
up." The daily consideration of our latter end, tends to give 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 401 

us a proper estimate of things under the sun ; even the comforts 
and accommodations with which we are surrounded ; and at the 
same time, to centre our thoughts and affections upon that eter- 
nal weight of glory, which is to be hereafter revealed to the 
steadfast followers of the Lamb. I thought the Lord mercifully 
granted a little fresh ability to advocate his cause ; which is 
dignified with immortality, and crowned with eternal life, and 
to hand a morsel of bread to comfort some weary travellers. 

29th. This morning my dear wife and myself left for Green- 
wich, New Jersey. The weather was warm, but being in a fast- 
moving boat, we had a pleasant breeze ; and from the upper 
deck, the view of the islands, and the scenery along the shores 
of Delaware and New Jersey, with the great expanse of water 
below Eeedy Island, made the trip very pleasant and refresh- 
ing. Our beloved cousins, George and Naomi Bacon, with 
other Friends, received us with much cordiality. We attended 
their Monthly Meeting on fifth-day. In the meeting we had 
some service to the exaltation of the name, and goodness of 
our God ; who watches over, preserves and provides for those 
who give themselves up to his requirings ; both in temporals 
and spirituals. The hearts of some were contrited and comfort- 
ed, in a reverent sense of the Lord's mercy and kindness, still 
extended to us, an unworthy people ; though there are, perhaps, 
in every meeting, those preserved alive in the Truth, and, I 
hope, growing in it. 

On first-day, we attended the meeting at Salem ; in which my 
dear wife was drawn forth, in fellow feeling with some who were 
partaking of bitter trials, so as, at times, to feel life almost a 
burthen, and to desire a release ; but she said she believed if 
their sufferings were rightly borne, they would, under the Di- 
vine blessing, prove a means for the sanctification of the soul. 
The language of sympathy and encouragement, through her, 
had a tendering effect ; and I have no doubt, met with an an- 
swer of, so be it, in some hearts. I was engaged to call the at- 
tention of some to the importance of showing their love to Christ 
Jesus, in whom we profess to believe, by keeping his word, and 
the commands He gives us to obey. It seems to be an easy 
matter, in this day of great biblical knowledge, to make a high 
profession of belief in Christ; and for people to think themselves 
justified by this belief; but it will avail little to those who do 
not keep his word in their hearts, and bring forth the fruits 



402 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [184'!. 

thereof, to the praise of our Heavenly Father. " If a man love 
me," said our blessed Lord, "he will keep my words; and my 
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our 
abode with him." It is thus only that we can witness the 
love of God shed abroad in our hearts ; and through the Holy 
Spirit, hold communion with the Father, and with his dear Son, 
our Lord Jesus Christ. My beloved wife concluded the meeting 
with solemn supplication. In the afternoon we visited two aged 
Friends, to one of whom she spoke encouragingly. 

Seventh month 5th. We took the steamboat for home, feel- 
ing satisfied with the little visit, and hoping that although what 
was done was in weakness and fear, it would tend to the strength- 
ening of the good in some. 

13th. Was at the North Meeting; in which Ezekiel's vision 
of the dry bones in the valley, which were very dry, was brought 
before me. It seemed not only to represent the state of many 
of the house of Israel, who were very destitute of the love and 
life of God in their hearts, but also the condition of those who 
were baptized for the dead, and who, at times, such was their 
stripped and destitute condition, as to the sensible feeling of the 
life-giving presence of the Lord, were ready to doubt whether 
they would ever again experience it, and be enabled to stand be- 
fore Him with acceptance. Yet He, who is the resurrection and 
the life, can and does breathe on bones whose energy is depart- 
ed, clothe them as with sinews and flesh, and breathe into 
them the breath of life, and raise them up as an army for his 
service. I hope a little of his quickening virtue was felt among 
us this day. 

16th. Our Meeting for Sufferings having adjourned to this 
time, forty-seven members convened ; and the committee to 
whom had been referred, by the Yearly Meeting, the document 
upon the unsound doctrines, now reported a few alterations, 
which were read to the meeting, and adopted. JSTone of them 
abated the force, or varied the character of this testimony for 
the truth of our ancient doctrines. There was a very united 
and solemn feeling over the meeting; but two members dissent- 
ing from the publication of it. Christopher Healy and Ezra 
Comfort bore lively testimonies to the sweetness of the covering 
spread over us ; and though one of them seemed to foresee fur- 
ther close trials awaiting the church, they both believed as 
Friends kept steadfast to the Truth, victory would finally be 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 403 

obtained over that spirit which is seeking to lay waste our 
precious faith. I hope that the Appeal put forth for the An- 
cient Doctrines will be blessed, to the comfort and settlement of 
many in the right way of the Lord. 

Eighth month 18th. Of latter time being under much exer- 
cise, and at seasons clothed with many fears, I have had little 
call openly to speak in the assemblies of the Lord's people ; and 
when I have believed myself constrained to stand forth on be- 
half of my gracious Lord and Master and his cause, it has been 
in but few words, yet attended with the evidence of being 
rightly authorized, by his peace shed abroad in my mind. 
To-day 1 felt called on to bear testimony, that He, who gave his 
disciples power over all the power of the enemy, so that nothing 
should by any means offend or harm them, was still with his 
faithful, devoted children ; and according to their respective 
conditions, growths and services in the church, would give them 
power over all the power of the enemy, in the various assaults 
and temptations with which he may be permitted to buffet 
them; if on their part/ they keep faithful to Him. Christ only 
knows the depth of baptism needful for the humiliation and re- 
finement of his disciples ; and if they hold fast the grain of faith, 
which will never be entirely taken from them, in his time, He 
will appear to them, as the resurrection and the life ; renew their 
faith, and grant an evidence, that their feet are upon the Eock 
of ages, the sure foundation, against which the gates of hell 
cannot prevail. 

19th. I went to Haddonfield, and attended that meeting ; in 
which I was drawn forth to say close things to some, who were 
doing despite to the offers of Divine love and mercy to them : 
who had become like the heath in the desert, in a dry and 
barren soil ; not partaking of the water of life, by which alone 
the soul can be kept alive unto God; and such is their insensi- 
bility, that they know not when good cometh. These were 
pleaded with, to lay these things solemnly to heart ; for the 
time was fast approaching, when the awful message would be 
sounded in their ear, "Steward, give an account of thy steward- 
ship, for thou mayest be no longer steward." Also the fearful, 
trembling followers of Christ, were encouraged to keep the 
faith ; for in his time He would shed abroad his peace in their 
hearts, and grant an evidence of his acceptance and appro- 



404 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847 

bation. Called upon a few Friends, and returned home in 
peace. 

26th. My wife and myself attended Plymouth Meeting ; in 
which the Master employed us in his work, both for the warn- 
ing of those who are in danger of being swallowed up with the 
spirit of the world, and in comforting and strengthening the 
feeble and weary, who love the Truth, and desire its prosperity 
more than anything beside. 

Ninth month 17th. The Meeting for Sufferings, which met 
to-day, was large. The exposed condition of the free colored 
population of our State, was considered, and referred to a com- 
mittee on slavery. The meeting agreed to stereotype Robert 
Barclay's Apology for the true Christian Divinity, as believed 
by Friends. 

26th. First-day. I went to meeting this morning, humbled 
under a sense of the many snares and dangers which surround 
all, especially young people ; and my soul was poured forth in 
mental, fervent supplication to the Lord, that He would be 
pleased to preserve my dear children in purity, and in a state 
of acceptance with Him. I renounced all desire for riches or 
worldly greatness, and craved that He would make them his by 
adoption, and prepare them for his kingdom. 

Tenth month 2d. In consequence of using an expresssion un- 
dignified, and betraying a want of watchfulness, mortification 
and abasedness were my clothing. There is nothing pertaining 
to us to glory in— nothing we can glory in — save in the cross 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which we are crucified to the world, 
and the world unto us ; and when every wrong thing in us, is 
crucified and made subject to the dominion of Christ, then we 
have good cause to give glory to the power and goodness by 
which we are subjected to Him. 

10th. Friends and others are returning from their country 
residences, by which our meeting is enlarged. That love, 
which leads to desire the everlasting welfare of souls, covered 
the hearts of some, and a renewed qualification was granted to 
invite all to faithfulness, in. obeying the clear requisitions of our 
Heavenly Father, made known by his spirit in the heart. It 
is this which will dignify and make men truly honorable ; a 
blessing to their fellow creatures ; and prepare them for the 
society of saints and angels, and the church of the first-born, 
whose names are written in heaven. 



[1847. 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 405 



24th. First-day morning, at our meeting, I was engaged to 
call upon some to embrace the offered gift of repentance, that 
they may receive strength to " work while it is called to-day ; 
for behold the night cometh wherein no man can work." No 
man can command these offers of mercy and help. It is then his 
highest wisdom and interest, to lay hold of them when he is 
favored with them, lest the awful period come when he may be 
called to appear in the presence of his Almighty Judge, and he 
be unprepared for the solemn event. Next day, a well-concerned 
Friend told me that w T hat was said was his exercise reduced into 
words. It is pleasant, when the day laborers are favored to see 
eye to eye, and to bring forth good fruit. 

26th. Through much doubt and discouragement, I went to 
the North Meeting. Dear Rachel Thornton was there, and had 
a consoling testimony to those, deeply proved. My mind was 
turned to the dear young people, who were exposed to the evil 
insinuations of the wicked one ; both by the fluctuations in the 
Society, and his attempts to captivate them with the fashions 
of a corrupt world. The Lord's presence was with us, and 
solemnized and tendered some hearts. It showed me the need 
of walking by faith, when there is little sight; and when the 
grand deceiver would prevent us from doing our duty; thereby 
robbing the church, and losing the reward of Divine approba- 
tion and peace. 

Eleventh month 1st. Having obtained a minute of the unity 
of the Monthly Meeting to attend North Carolina Yearly Meet- 
ing, and to visit some meetings belonging to it, I left home this 
morning under feelings of desire for preservation. My beloved 
friend Henry Cope, who also obtained a minute, accompanied 
me. I had for many months felt affectionately drawn towards 
some meetings there ; and light seemed to shine on some places 
particularly. Love warmed and softened my heart towards 
dear Friends in that country ; and the pointing was so strong, 
that it appeared to be unsafe to disregard it; and I had accord- 
ingly opened it to the Monthly Meeting, and a free expression 
of unity followed. "We left by railroad about eight o'clock ; and 
in passing through Baltimore, called on a few Friends; and 
reached Washington after dark, where we lodged. 

2d. Took the steamer on the Potomac ; landed at Aquia 
Creek, and thence proceeded in the cars to .Richmond and Peters- 
burg. On the way I had conversation with two slaveholders; 
27 



406 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847. 

one of whom I found afterwards was Governor of Virginia. He 
argued that our Saviour never forbad slaveholding ; but I replied 
that the spirit and principles of his religion were against it; 
and that the precept, " All things whatsoever ye would that men 
should do unto you, do ye al^o unto them/' would put an end 
to it. But they were hardened against everything that would 
oppose their favorite system ; and to me they appeared to hold 
in light estimation the authority of the christian religion. On 
the subject of war, they were equally in the dark. One of them 
strove to cast a slur on Friends; saying, that they would fight 
in cases of great emergency. But I referred him to the seventy 
years government of Friends in Pennsylvania, during which no 
war took place there; and also the firm constancy of Friends in 
Ireland, during the civil war there, in which but two of the 
Society lost their lives, and they because they took up arms. 
This man finally admitted the many corruptions inseparable 
from slavery, and its disadvantageous influence wherever it exists. 
I believe there are seasons in w T hich such are brought under 
conviction, that the holding of slaves is wrong, and that it is a 
curse upon the country. 

Supped at Petersburg, between eight and nine o'clock; and 
after arranging our baggage in the burden car, for Ealeigh, set 
out and travelled all night; changing cars twice, in which we 
found poor accommodations for sleeping. Got to Ealeigh near 
noon on the 3d. Took the mail stage, and had a wearisome 
ride through the night ; the stage being crowded, and hea- 
vily laden. We reached Greensborough between one and two' 
o'clock, dined, and in the afternoon, went in the Salem stage 
to the Boarding School at New Garden. Here w T e met our 
friend Dougan Clark, who invited us to put up with him, 
and we accordingly walked to his house, being about one and a 
quarter miles, and felt ourselves agreeably accommodated with 
himself and valuable wife. 

5th. We were taken to Deep Eiver, to attend the Meeting 
for Sufferings. The business consisted principally in endeavor- 
ing, through committees, to secure the freedom of colored peo- 
ple, placed by slaveholders under the charge of Friends ; to have 
them transferred to other parts of the Union, where they can 
enjoy their freedom, unmolested by the cruel and unjust laws, 
vhich the State has passed, to bind the shackles on the poor 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 407 

down-trodden slave, and to discourage and prevent the holders 
from giving them their liberty. 

6th. Attended the Meeting for Ministers and Elders, in which 
I was engaged to hold up the importance of maintaining our 
testimony to the spiritual nature of Divine worship under the 
gospel dispensation. It requires devotedness to the Truth, and 
a willingness to endure mortification before the people, at times, 
in a steadfast waiting for the Master's life-giving presence ; not 
daring to put forth a hand to any work, until He appears and 
gives strength and authority for it. If this precious testimony, 
by which we are much distinguished from other denominations, 
is not preserved, the Society must go down. After meeting, we 
rode back to New Garden. 

7th. The meeting for worship this morning was crowded, 
and for a long time much disturbed. I felt impressed with the 
necessity of advocating the doctrine of the universality of the 
Light of Christ, as it shines at times in the hearts of all men. 
It gives man a sight of his fallen condition, alienated from God 
by sin ; and by obedience to it, he is gradually led out of dark- 
ness into the marvellous light of the Lord, and thus witnesses, 
as he perseveres faithfully, a growth and an establishment in 
the Truth. Christ Jesus is the author and finisher of the saints' 
faith. True faith is not a faculty of the human mind ; but a firm 
belief and confidence, produced by the operation of his Spirit on 
the heart, that what He requires of man to forsake or to per- 
form, is the revealed will of our Heavenly Father; and leads us 
to put our trust in Christ, the Captain of salvation. He came to 
save us from our sins, not in them ; and we must be separated 
from sin, before we can experience complete justification and 
redemption. 

8th. Second-day morning, the meeting for business com- 
menced. Towards the close, the importance of rightly holding 
a Yearly Meeting, coming before me, and of Friends conducting, 
during the recess, at their respective lodging places, in a man- 
ner consistent with the object of their coming together, I felt 
drawn affectionately to call their attention, particularly that of 
the young people, to it ; and to mention a remark made to me in 
my early going out on religious visits, by an elder in the church 
of Christ ; that he always found it best to keep under religious 
exercise. This is a state of inward watchfulness ; keeping the 
fear of the Lord before our eyes, lest we should do anything that 



408 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847 

would be inconsistent with the object of our leaving home. For 
want of this, how will Satan rob us and wound us, and deprive 
us of the benefit intended by these opportunities. The young 
people were invited to guard against everything of a light and 
frivolous nature, by which they would suffer loss. Friends ex- 
pressed their unity with it, and wished it might have proper 
place with them. 

9th. The Queries and Answers were read ; which exhibited 
many deficiencies, in various branches of our christian testimo- 
nies. Individual responsibility, and the proper home education 
of children, claimed my attention ; and I was led to open the 
importance of examining our own conduct, the influence of 
which, either for evil or for good, may be greater than we im- 
agine. George Fox mentions, that if but one man or woman 
lived in the Spirit, which the prophets and apostles lived in, 
who gave forth the Scriptures, he or she would shake the country 
for ten miles round. Their influence would extend in many 
cases further than that. The Holy Spirit can bring to re- 
membrance the example of righteous men and women, and 
thereby convict the evil-doer ; and incite him to forsake wrong 
things, and come into the way of holiness, and steadfastly per- 
severe in it. Heads of families were earnestly exhorted to watch 
over their own conduct, that they might not say or do anything 
which they could not approve in their children. Committed to 
our care, in the wilderness of this world, we are bound to do all 
that is in our power to bring them to Christ; and to do nothing 
that would lead them into the spirit and customs of the world. 
In the awful day of account, it will be of unspeakable import- 
ance, that the blood of others is not found upon our garments. 
The practice of frequently reading the Holy Scriptures in their 
families, was also pressed upon Friends; and that it be done in 
a serious manner, with hearts turned to the Lord ; in which, at 
times, the spirit of supplication is poured out upon such, and 
they enabled to pray in spirit for themselves, and their beloved 
offspring. 

10th. Fourth-day. Attended the Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders; in which was pointed out the necessity of elders coming 
under a measure of the same Divine anointing imparted for the 
ministry, to qualify them to discern and judge between thing 
and thing. Between that ministry which comes from the true 
gospel spring, and that which originates in the activity and im- 



1847-] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 409 

agination of the natural mind ; that while they properly encour- 
age and cherish the timid and fearful, in the exercise of the gift 
committed to them, they may discourage forward spirits that 
run into words without life and authority. 

Dined at the school-house ; attended the adjourned sitting of 
the Meeting for Sufferings; and returned to our lodgings. 

11th. Fifth-day. The business of the Yearly Meeting was 
concluded. 



CHAPTEE XX. 



Continuation of Visit in North Carolina — Trials at Home, and Services in its 
Neighborhood — Extract from a Letter — Views on Separations. 

1847—1848. 

1847, Eleventh month 12th. We remained until near even- 
ing, with our dear friends D. and A. Clark, and then were taken 
by their son to a Friend's house, where we lodged. Next morn- 
ing, he took us to Centre, where we attended the Western 
Quarterly Meeting. Here the Lord gave me renewed ability to 
preach the gospel of Christ Jesus ; showing that every member 
of his body is prepared for his place therein, by knowing the 
working of the Lord's mighty power, in his own regeneration 
and sanctification, in the first place. When his service is as- 
signed, he must rely for wisdom and strength to do it, upon Him 
who taught him obedience to his will, in resisting and overcom- 
ing the assaults of the enemy; and, from time to time, delivered 
him as out of the paw of the lion and of the bear. The exam- 
ples of Moses and David, in the wilderness, when, in the care of 
their father's sheep, they were divinely instructed in solitude, 
and prepared through obedience to the Divine voice, and in that 
saving faith with which the Lord inspired them, for more pub- 
lic and extensive usefulness among his people, were opened to 
the meeting. The young people were earnestly entreated to 
come under the government of Christ, that they might occupy 
the stations designed for them, and reap the reward of his sweet 
peace. 

14th. First-day. Eode several miles to Springfield, where 



410 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847. 

many, not professing with us, attended the meeting. The state 
of those, who like the Jews, were pleasing themselves with 
being Abraham's children, but whose works do not prove them 
to be in the faith of Abraham, came before me. Outward ad- 
vantages increase our responsibility, but unimproved, will not 
recommend us to the Divine regard ; nor will the disadvantages 
under which many are placed, deprive them of the Lord's favor, 
if they do not bring them upon themselves by wrong doing. 
" Of a truth," saith the apostle, "I perceive that God is no re- 
specter of persons ; but in every nation, he that feareth Him and 
worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." All outward dis- 
tinction will avail nothing, unless we are walking in the foot- 
steps of Christ's companions, working righteousness in the fear 
of God. The awfulness of being found without oil in our ves- 
sels, with our lamps, when the midnight cry is .heard, was 
solemnly held up to view. Some were warned of losing the 
spirit of discernment, with which they had been favored, and 
by keeping to which alone, they can distinguish the voice of the 
true Shepherd, from that of the stranger. The sheep of Christ 
know his voice, and they follow Him. 

the meeting ended with supplication for the continued mercy, 
and preserving power of our Heavenly Father, extended to his 
church and his people ; that He would regard our infirmities, for- 
give our sins, and enable us to ascribe unto Him, to whom alone 
it belongs, with the Lamb who sitteth on the throne, all glory 
and honor, salvation and strength, through the eternal Spirit, 
now and forevermore. Amen. 

On the 16th, we went to ISTew Salem, where we had a meeting 
with the few Friends residing near, and in the village ; also 
some other persons who had been invited. The nature of Di- 
vine worship, the necessity of being brought off from all de- 
pendence upon man, and coming to an inward acquaintance 
with the Lord Jesus, relying upon Him as our teacher and 
minister, were set before them. All the efforts of man, in his 
will and time, to comprehend the truths of the gospel, or to 
teach others the way of religion, will be fruitless. Man, in his 
natural condition, may set himself to work, and conclude he 
knows much ; yet proceeding from his own spirit it will not 
work the righteousness of God, or promote the Eedeemer's 
kingdom. 1 felt much for the young people, and warned them 
of the machinations of wicked men and women, who were try- 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 411 

ing to draw unsuspecting young people into their evil practices. 
For those who were striving to do right, I was prostrated in 
vocal prayer, that they might be strengthened, and that the 
visitations of the Lord's love and mercy, might be extended to 
the young people ; bringing them to submit to bear the yoke and 
cross of Christ, and preparing them to uphold the standard of 
pure righteousness where they dwell. 

We put up with a son of Dougan Clark's, where we were 
very comfortably and agreeably entertained. 

17th. This morning, he took us over to Marlborough, about 
five miles, where we attended their regular meeting ; which was 
a pretty large gathering, notice of our intention of being there, 
having been spread. Here I was enabled to relieve myself in 
the love of the gospel, towards Friends, of which the meeting 
chiefly consisted. 

18th. We had a rough, tedious ride to Holly Spring, the 
route being over roads not much used, and in bad repair. The 
land was very poor, and thinly populated. I thought I should 
soon wish to be released from this world's concerns, if I was 
fixed in some places through which we rode. It was the time 
of their Preparative Meeting, and the company was nearly all 
Friends ; to whom I was led to speak of the importance of 
being under a daily travail and watchfulness, that we may be 
favored with a discerning spirit, so as to detect the insinuations 
of Satan, in his various attempts to deceive ; whether in our in- 
dividual capacity, or in the church. By faithfulness to the 
Divine Word, who is a discerner of the thoughts, and intents 
of the heart, a qualification is received to judge righteous judg- 
ment in the church. 

We dined at Enoch Barker's, who, with his children, appear 
to be acquainted with the cross. The company of such Friends 
is animating. 

Eode about two miles, and lodged. In the night it com- 
menced raining, and continued most of the morning, which 
made travelling, over bad roads, but little frequented, quite dis- 
agreeable and tedious. In one place, we were obliged to get 
out of the carriage, and keep it from overturning. We reached 
our friend John JSfewlin's, near the Spring meeting-house, to- 
wards evening, and were received and entertained by him and 
his family, in a kind and hospitable manner. At New Garden, 
he told us, " If you come to my house, you will get to Ealeigh,' 



412 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847. 

which we found to be about forty-seven miles distant. Accord- 
ingly preparation was made, and the following morning, the 20th, 
we got off, and rode about thirty-seven miles ; parts of the road 
being very hilly ; and put up for the night at a private house 
of entertainment. 

Before leaving John Newlin's, I felt drawn to acknowledge 
the kindness of Friends in providing for us, and to express my 
desire, that as some of us were descending the hill of time, 
while it is a duty to attend to our necessary worldly avocations, 
we may keep in view the importance of preparing for that city 
which hath foundations, whose builder and maker the Lord of 
Hosts is. We parted with feelings of respect and affection 
for the parents and children, not knowing but that it might be 
the last time we should visit their habitation. 

21st. After taking breakfast, we rode into Ealeigh ; directing 
our course,, when reaching the suburbs, to the house of a free 
colored man, who keeps a livery stable, and carriages to hire, 
with whom we contracted to be taken to Eich Square. Being 
desirous of reaching the meeting held there on fourth-day, we 
set off, after taking dinner at the colored man's table, and rode 
twenty miles, to Foster's, a private house, where we supped and 
lodged. 

22d. Eose early, and rode twelve miles to Crenshaw's, to 
breakfast. Eode about thirty-five miles, between breakfast and 
night, and put up at another private house, in which we had 
little comfort, the views and habits of the inmates being very 
different from congeniality with our own. Here we fell into 
conversation with a young man upon the poverty of their farms, 
and the very reduced value of the land ; which he told us, 
would not bring much more than two dollars an acre, with all 
the buildings and fencing. We suggested that the cause was 
keeping slaves, which he could not deny; and when we inform- 
ed him of the worth of land in Pennsylvania, and the steady ad- 
vance in quality, improvements, and price, he seemed surprised, 
and thought he should like to travel through those parts where 
such cultivation and its fruits are to be found. 

We retired early, but were disturbed by their music and 
dancing ; rose before any of the family were moving, having 
paid our fare over night, and rode eight miles to breakfast, at 
Enfield. Here we obtained directions respecting the road to 
Pollock's Ferry, on the Eoanoke, and set out. 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 413 

On the Eoanoke, where we crossed, are fine farms, owned by 
a person of the name of Devereux, a large slaveholder. The 
soil is rich, and his crops are said to be very great and profitable; 
but the fact that they are produced and gathered by the toil and 
sweat of men and women, who have no more interest in them, 
than the cattle by which the land is worked, detracts altogether 
from the satisfaction we should otherwise have in viewing such 
flourishing farms. Getting directions respecting the road, we 
found our way to T. and E. P.'s, through miles of timbered 
land. They received us with much cordiality; which was truly 
pleasant, as we had looked towards this place with apprehen- 
sions of difficulty in timely reaching it, and fearing, if we did 
accomplish the journey, we might not find any conveyance to 
Piney Woods, where the Quarterly Meeting is held at this time; 
about seventy miles ride. But on enquiry, we found provision 
had been made for us in that respect also ; which was cause of 
thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, as well as gratitude to 
our friends ; strengthening us in the belief that we were under 
his guidance and protection. We spent the evening in interest- 
ing conversation with our friends. 

24th. It was a favorable circumstance that we had dry 
weather, on our journey from Ealeigh here, as our carriage was 
small and exposing. Last night it rained, and this morning had 
a very unfavorable appearance ; but being provided for, we went 
to Eich Square, the meeting to which Eichard Jordan belonged, 
when he resided in North Carolina. The company was small, 
some having gone to Piney Woods. I felt low and weak, and 
fearful of making any mistake; but being impressed with the 
great importance of purity of heart, that man may be prepared 
to hold communion with his Heavenly Father, and beholding 
with an eye of faith, the secret travail of spirit which the 
visited obedient soul is brought under to attain to this purity, 
I believed it right to rise with these impressions, and to deliver 
in a simple way, what might be given me. As I went on, in 
singleness of heart to the Lord, the gospel stream rose a little, 
to the tendering of some, and I hope to the instruction of 
others. 

After meeting, taking leave of our friends with feelings of 
sincere affection, we went with J. C. to his house, and lodged. The 
afternoon being rainy, we deferred setting off for Pine}^ Woods 
until morning. In the evening, two or three young Friends being 



414 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1847. 

also there, we collected around the fire, and fell into s .lence ; and 
unexpectedly to myself, I felt drawn towards the heads of the 
family, with affectionate solicitude that they might keep the 
world and its necessary concerns, in their proper places ; so that 
all their duties to their Heavenly Father, and to each other, 
might be rightly performed ; that the cumbers and cares of 
this life might not interfere with that devotion of spirit, which 
is essential to a growth in the Truth, and the performance of 
the services which the Head of the church calls for ; which I 
was engaged to communicate to them. 

25th. "We set off pretty early, crossed the Chowan Eiver in 
a flat, and on its bank refreshed ourselves with some food brought 
in the carriage. Then proceeded on our way, riding often 
through water, sometimes a fourth of a mile at a time, which 
flowed over the road from surrounding swamps, making travel- 
ling often laborious for the horses. We called at two private 
houses, before we obtained accommodations for the night, there 
being no taverns on the road, and were grateful to find one wil- 
ling to take us in ; night coming on and we pretty well fatigued. 
We paid the landlord freely, though he seemed unwilling to 
take the full price. In the Southern States, the people are 
noted for their hospitality, without making charge for food and 
lodgings; and, therefore, willingly receive the same kindness 
gratuitously, which they have bestowed on others. But being 
strangers, I did not feel satisfied to receive entertainment with- 
out pay, from those on whom we had no claim, and to whom we 
could make no similar return, and therefore insisted on the 
landlord receiving more than he proposed; which was not ade- 
quate to the comforts of which we partook. 

26th. One of the swamps being much filled with water, and 
the road being under repair, by the erection of a bridge, we had 
to drive five miles further, to get to David White's ; whose resi- 
dence we reached by half-past ten o'clock. We went to the 
Select Quarterly Meeting ; in which the stream of Divine life 
seemed low, and little was felt for communication. Returned 
to David White's, and remained there till the following morning. 

27th. The Quarterly Meeting was attended, during the first 
sitting, by many persons not of our profession. The necessity 
of being born again; of being converted and becoming as little 
children, as inculcated by our blessed Lord, was brought before 
me ; and He who opens and hands out of his treasury to his 



1847.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 415 

disciples, things new and old, was pleased, in his goodness and 
condescension, to enable me to preach his gospel, in the de- 
monstration of the Spirit and power. I hoped his great name 
was exalted. 

28th. I was at the first-day meeting, which was a large col- 
lection of people of various characters and professions. I en- 
deavored to do what appeared to be my duty, but felt little 
comfort, though I believe some Divine aid was extended, and 
some hearts contrited. I strove to leave it all to the Lord, and 
bear my own burthen. Such dispensations of the sense of un- 
profitableness, are in wisdom ; and when properly borne, tend 
to humble, and lead us to acknowledge that we are unprofitable 
servants ; and that if at any time we have done any good, it 
has been the Lord's work, to whom all praise and dominion 
belong. 

We rode twelve miles in the afternoon, to William Wilson's, 
where we lodged. Pose early, and after taking some breakfast, 
W. Wilson kindly conveyed us in his carriage to Elizabeth City, 
to meet the stage for Norfolk. We barely secured our passage, 
so many were going. 

We rode about forty-five miles to Portsmouth, which we 
reached some little time before the Baltimore steamer crossed 
from Norfolk, on board of which we took our passage. It was 
rendered unpleasant by the improper conduct and language of 
an intoxicated young man ; but I felt thankful we were permit- 
ted to land safely, in the morning; the passage up the Chesa- 
peake Bay being long, and the wind pretty strong ahead, and 
the water sufficiently rough to cause sickness in some. Break- 
fasted at the hotel, took seats in the Philadelphia car, and ar- 
rived at our beloved homes in the afternoon ; thankful to be 
again united to our dear companions and children. 

It is cause of gratitude to the God and Father of all our sure 
mercies, to be preserved from danger and serious accident ; and 
to believe that He provided for us, and was our guide, so as to 
perform the work He assigned us to do. May I be favored 
with his continual providence in my outward and spiritual con- 
cerns ; so as to be kept obedient to his will, and sanctified and 
fit for his use, through the cleansing, quickening efficacy of his 
Divine Word in the heart, unworthy as I am of the least of all 
his mercies ; to whom, with his dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 



416 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

be ascribed all glory and honor, thanksgiving and praise, world 
without end. Amen. 

1848, First month 11th. Soon after my return, a young man 
who had been in my employ several years, left me, to commence 
business for himself. This made it necessary for me to confine 
myself much at my store. I had.several offers of assistants, but 
could not feel easy in my own mind to employ any of them ; 
there being something in their appearance, and the feeling I 
had respecting them, which deterred me from taking them. 
Under these circumstances, I seemed, at times, let down to the 
bottom of the mountains; there being little to console from 
without, and the spring much shut up within. But I waded 
along, and the Lord gave me some tokens of his continued 
mercy, and the word of command to tell it to others. Some of 
our evening meetings were solid and encouraging. In due time, 
the way satisfactorily opened to employ a person, who served 
his apprenticeship in the same store I did. His age and stabil- 
ity, and his knowledge of the business, made it easy for me to 
leave, when necessarily absent, on appointments, or any reli- 
gious engagement ; which I esteem a favor from the hand of my 
heavenly Caretaker and Protector. It appeared to me there 
was an evidence in it of providential regard. 

31st. I was brought low last week, in consequence of a re- 
mark which I made applicable to another, though not of great 
moment, yet inexpedient, at least for one in my station. It re- 
newed strong desires to be favored with more watchfulness, and 
care over my words and actions ; so that no offence may be 
given to Jew or Gentile, nor the children turned aside from the 
right path. What a blessing to be favored with a monitor in 
our own breast, that swiftly condemns for wrong, or for an un- 
guarded expression, and by which we are led into fervent inter- 
cession, that we may not be left to ourselves, nor suffered to 
lose the standing we may have, through mercy, attained in the 
Truth. Yesterday morning (first-day,) it was a struggling time 
through the meeting, with little obtained ; but in the afternoon, 
something of the communion of the Holy Spirit was granted ; by 
which faith and hope were renewed. In the evening meeting, I 
felt constrained to revive the testimony of the prophet, ' ' Thou wilt 
keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because 
he trusteth in thee." This peace surpasses everything in this 
world, and is the gift of the Saviour to his children. If they 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 417 

keep faithful to Him, there will be seasons in which He will 
cause it to flow, as a gentle stream, into their souls ; but if we 
do not experience it to be dispensed at times, we may be assur- 
ed that we are not in the right way of the Lord. The meeting 
closed under a covering of solemnity. 

Second month 1st. My wife and myself went to German- 
town, and attended Frankford Monthly Meeting held there. 
We were both engaged in the ministry ; she in encouraging the 
tried and fearful ones to hold on their way, keeping fast hold of 
the shield of faith, and not casting it away ; for on Mount Gil- 
boa, where the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, David 
desired there might be neither dew, nor rain, nor fields of offer- 
ing ; the language of consolation to the mourners flowed, to their 
comfort and strength. 

I was engaged to warn some, of the danger of suffering any 
temptation to draw them away from that travail of spirit, 
which they had been brought under by the Shepherd of the 
sheep, in his early visitations, lest they might part with their 
birthright for a mess of pottage. If any man love anything 
more than Christ, he will not be worthy of Him. " If any man 
love the world, the love of the Father is not in Him." 

5th. Was held our Select Quarterly Meeting. There seem- 
ed to be some exercise that the ancient simplicity might be 
maintained amongst us; and some Friends thought there was 
an increased feeling of unity, which it was pleasant to contem- 
plate. 

7th. The Quarterly Meeting for business was an unusually solid 
time. My dear wife spoke in a clear, searching manner, going 
to show that adversity is by the Lord set over against prosper- 
ity, and we shall not escape it. There was a great solemnity 
over the people, and when separated, it continued in both meet- 
ings, and a little ability was granted to search Jerusalem as 
with candles. 

15th. My wife and my sister Hannah Ehoads, having a draft 
to Shrewsbury and Bah way Quarterly Meeting, we left home 
this morning, and arrived in Eahway, about seventy miles, in 
three hours and a half. Our friends kindly met us at the depot, 
and conducted us to J. P.'s. 

16th. We were provided with a conveyance to Plainfield ; 
where we put up at the house of J. and M. S. ; the latter a min- 
ister, and a firm supporter of the ancient doctrines and testi- 



418 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

monies of our religious Society. Attended the Select Quarterly 
Meeting, in which we had some service. 

17th. We were at the meeting for business. In the first 
sitting, my wife and myself were called forth in the ministry of 
the gospel. I have seldom felt more divinely helped than on 
this occasion. There was a Baptist preacher, and a Methodist 
preacher at the meeting. The universality of Divine grace, and 
the indispensable need of regeneration, in order to be made full 
partakers of the mercy and forgiveness of God, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, so as to be thereby saved with an everlasting 
salvation, were preached. Friends expressed in the second meet- 
ing, their satisfaction with our company and services; and, I be- 
lieve, some were brought into feelings of renewed tenderness. 
It was an evidence of the Lord's merciful regard to us, poor, 
unworthy creatures, in thus granting a little fresh ability to 
labor in his heritage. 

22d. This evening a person called at my store for a portion 
of medicine, which I put up for her, charging her a small price 
for it ; she expressed some acknowledgment ; and then asked if I 
remembered a little girl getting a prescription put up some time 
before, which I gave her without charge. I told her I did. 
She then added, the money the child brought to pay with was 
the last half dollar that her mother possessed ; and when she 
found that you had not charged for the medicine, she prayed for 
you all night, that the Lord would bless you. From my first 
entering into business, I have made it a practice to furnish poor 
people with medicine, when satisfied they needed it ; and though 
this was of little moment, as regards the value bestowed, and in 
itself nothing new, yet it was pleasant to think that I had the 
prayers of a poor, distressed fellow creature. " Blessed is the 
man that considereth the poor; the Lord shall deliver him in 
time of trouble." It is but little we can do ; but it becomes the 
followers of a suffering, yet victorious Saviour, to live under 
the influence of his Spirit, who did so much for us ; and then He 
will teach us and lead us to feel for the suffering, depressed 
condition of our fellow creatures, and to minister to their neces- 
sities, as it is proper for us. 

Last first-day and yesterday, the latter being our Monthly 
Meeting, I was much shut up ; feeling deeply exercised, at times, 
on account of the present state of our religious Society. Many 
are unwilling to keep under suffering, and with their loins gird- 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 419 

ed, to watch for the coming of the Master of the house ; whose 
house are we if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence 
firm unto the end ; waiting to see what He will order to be done, 
and then to act under his direction. There is great danger in 
putting forth a hand unbidden, to attempt to steady or to sup- 
port the ark ; both from doing an injury to the cause, and bring- 
ing death upon ourselves ; with the query, "Who hath required 
this at thy hand ?" 

24th. To a letter which I wrote to a Friend about this time, 
I appended the following : " In the present unsettled state of 
our religious Society, I am persuaded that the place of safety is 
individual watchfulness unto prayer; that we may do nothing 
to create excitement, by which any may be stirred up to do 
what will not make for peace, and receive the Divine approba- 
tion. John "Woolman, I think, says, if the church gathers to the 
place of true prayer, her habitation is safe. In that condition 
alone, can she be prepared to wait for and to receive the direc- 
tion of her all-wise and omnipotent Head. And if we stand still, 
waiting for the salvation of God, we shall have good ground to 
hope that He will take his cause into his own hand, and carry 
the church through all its difficulties, to its further refinement, 
and the praise and glory of his great name. It is a great mis- 
take to grow impatient under suffering; and in order to procure 
relief, as we imagine, rush into any measure, incompatible with 
the order of the discipline. If others do wrong, bear a righte- 
ous testimony against it ; and if it seem to avail nothing, then 
leave it and them to the Lord, to do what seemeth to Him 
good." 

27th. Our evening meetings closed for the season. They 
have been mostly solid opportunities, in which we have had 
cause to believe that the Master of all rightly gathered assem- 
blies has been present with us. The gospel has been at times 
preached, tendering and solemnizing the hearts of many. The 
young people have been especially desirous to have these meet- 
ings held, and their deportment has- been becoming the occa- 
sion. May the blessing of the Shepherd of the sheep rest upon 
them ; bring them forward in their various allotments, to his 
praise, the comfort of the church, and their everlasting salva- 
tion, is my sincere desire for them. 

Third month 1st. At our mid-week meeting, we had several 
ministers from other parts, who all kept silence. My mind was 



420 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

favored with some lively feelings and openings on the precious- 
ness of keeping the faith and patience of the saints, even when 
surrounded by darkness, and there seems little to lead the truly 
baptized disciple to believe, that Truth will gain the victory. I 
kept from speaking, not knowing but it might go off, and some 
others might be put forth ; but when it was near time to close 
the meeting, I was afraid to suppress what appeared to be the 
putting forth of the Shepherd of the sheep, and accordingly de- 
livered upon the subject, what the Master gave me, as I believed, 
to communicate ; showing that it was Christ alone who can 
clothe the soul with this faith and patience, and through which 
He will make every faithful one victorious. The same faith by 
which the holy ancients quenched the violence of fire, stopped 
the mouths of lions, and out of weakness were made strong. 
Through this faith, we shall be kept relying upon Christ in our 
lowest state of weakness, and in his time witness Him to be to 
us the resurrection and the life. So that from season to season, 
we shall be enabled to adopt the language of the apostle, 
" Thanks be to Grod who giveth us the victory through our Lord 
Jesus Christ." There was a covering of solemn silence spread 
over the meeting; in which the tribalated seed rejoiced a little 
together, in spirit, and I believe took a little fresh courage to 
hold on the way. 

11th. This afternoon I went with my wife to Springfield; 
and next morning attended their meeting, being first-day, where 
we had the company of a large number of young men and young 
women, most of whom are sober, exemplary Friends. 

We attended their meeting on fifth-day ; in which it ap- 
peared right for me to labor in the love of the gospel, to stir 
up the easy, lukewarm ones, to a lively zeal on account of the 
work of their own salvation, the present and eternal interests 
of their children, where they were entrusted with them, and as 
they were prepared for it, to come under the weight of the ark 
of the testimonies. 

Fifth month 24th. I thought there was a religious weight 
over our Monthly Meeting this morning, under which, desires 
were raised that we might be seasoned with salt; experiencing 
every root of bitterness eradicated, and put shoulder to shoulder 
in the Lord's work ; so that we might become a body more com- 
pacted together, and be made to realize the blessings^ designed 
by being associated as a religions society. 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 421 

28th. First-day. This has been a season of poverty, and 
destitution of any lively, quickening sense of the Master's 
presence. Doubts and fears have spread over me, whether the 
same degrees of Divine energy and power, will be again vouch- 
safed to us ; whether so many favors, slighted and neglected by 
many, will not occasion the Lord to withhold his visitations 
very much from us. 

Sixth month 1st. My wife and myself went, this morning, 
to Plymouth Monthly Meeting. It seemed to be our place to 
encourage the devoted ones, and the visited young people, to 
hold on, in the good old way, in which our fathers in the Truth 
walked. The enemy is busy at work to draw us away from 
close watchfulness over our hearts, and to persuade us that there 
is little or nothing in our testimony to simplicity and self-denial, 
and that continual exercise of spirit, in which the outgoings of 
the mind after ease, is detected. And when he has persuaded 
us that the gentle convictions of Divine Grace are imaginary, 
or that it is not necessary to be so strict as our fathers were ; 
then the way will be opened to inculcate doctrines that our So- 
ciety never believed ; as, that immediate revelation has ceased; 
and thus the indispensable duty of waiting upon the Lord, that 
we may hear and know his voice, and be instructed immediately, 
as the sheep of Christ, and led along safely by Him, would be 
forsaken. It is those who are giving heed to the manifestations 
of his Spirit in their hearts, that will be prepared to make a 
right use of the Holy Scriptures. These are not afraid to be- 
lieve and to receive the testimony of the Holy Scriptures; for they 
are redeemed from the penalties which they denounce against 
sin ; and they will be made partakers of the precious promises 
contained in them. " There is now no condemnation to them 
that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after 
the spirit ; for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath 
made them free from the law of sin and death." 

We dined at the residence of our late friend Hannah Williams. 
The calmness and sweetness of spirit we felt there, was like the 
state of her mind in life, and which, we were informed, was re- 
markably shown at the hour of death ; having nothing to do but 
to wait the coming of her Lord to take her to Himself; whom she 
had served faithfully, with her loins girded and light burning; be- 
ing an example to the believers in watchfulness of spirit, and 
purity, and circumspection in word and deportment. She was a 
28 



422 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

woman of excellent judgment ; being taught in the school of expe- 
rience under the discipline and instruction of her Divine Master. 
As she was devoted to Him, and his blessed cause, He endued her 
with a measure of his wisdom and strength, hy which she was 
enabled to discern between thing and thing; spirit and spirit; 
and to stand firmly on Christ, the Eock, upon which faithful 
Friends have ever stood. 

- 15th. My wife feeling her mind drawn to attend Haddon- 
field Quarterly Meeting, held this time at Evesham, we were 
taken there by a friend. A pretty large company assembled. 
Ann Bishop spoke early. My mind was arrested with the im- 
portance of keeping under suffering for the sake of the blessed 
Master and his cause, and for our own benefit and preservation. 
The expression of the apostle was brought before me, " For 
unto you it is given, in the behalf of Chirst, not only to believe 
in Him, but also to suffer for his sake." It seemed to me, that 
inward suffering, in a state of close watchfulness, was greatly 
needed; and that much loss would be sustained, if we were to 
become a self-active, talking people; and not experience those 
humbling, preparing baptisms into our own conditions, needed 
to fit us for usefulness, and to bring us in sympathy with Christ ; 
who as the Seed, is pressed down in the hearts of the people, by 
their worldly thoughts, and desires after things of a perishing 
nature. 

21st. Having concluded to spend a few weeks with our 
brother and sister Rhoads, we shut up our house, and rode to 
their pleasant dwelling this afternoon, about twelve miles from 
Philadelphia. 

28th. In calling upon a Friend to-day, I was much distressed 
in hearing him express the opinion, that in the present divided 
feeling in our Society, a separation must take place ; because I 
believe the Head of the Church does not design it should be 
split and scattered. It appears to me to be a device of the 
enemy ; and cannot take place, unless Friends get off the right 
ground. If we are willing to suffer for the Truth, and to wait 
the Lord's time, we shall not only be benefited and deepened 
by the trials of our day, but He will make away for the Society 
to rise above the workings of the cruel enemy, and to exalt the 
precious testimonies He has called us to bear before the nations 
of the earth ; in the purity and dignity of the gospel of Christ. 
Oh the need there is for patient, faithful suffering! being wil- 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 423 

ling to go down to the bottom of Jordan, and abide under the 
weight of deep concern for the ark, and for the preservation of 
the people ; that they may not be scattered from under the wing 
of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. 

Seventh month 6th. At meeting (Springfield) to-day, we 
were favored with the Master's presence, baptizing a number 
together by his Spirit ; in which a qualification was received to 
show the necessity of keeping upon the watch, with our loins 
girded and lights burning, waiting for the coming of the Master, 
so as to open to Him immediately. Such will know Him to gird 
himself, cause them to sit down to meat, and serve them. It 
was a tendering, uniting season with some ; for which we were 
thankful. Dined and took tea with our brother, Joseph Evans 
and his wife ; where we felt our spirits at ease, in sweet fellow- 
ship with them ; they being of those who are living in and under 
the government and preserving power of Christ. 

12th. Attended our own meeting, which is much reduced by 
great numbers leaving the city during the warm season ; it was 
rather a barren time. Eeturned to Springfield in the afternoon. 

2 2d. Went with my wife, and brother J. Ehoads and wife to 
Birmingham. 

23d. In the meeting at Birmingham, I felt impelled to open 
the feelings which had come over me, of the famished condition 
that some were in ; yet acknowledging that in times of famine, 
little benefit might arise from finding fault with one another. 
Nevertheless, it was at times needful to remind some, that if but 
a small proportion of the labor bestowed, in laying up the meat 
that perisheth, was exerted to procure that which endureth unto 
everlasting life, which the Son of man will give, for Him hath 
God the Father sealed, professing christians would be in a differ- 
ent condition from what they now are. Our Saviour declared, 
that "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his 
blood, ye have no life in you ;" and if there is no life in us, we 
must be dead ; in which state, a profession of religion will avail 
nothing. It is those who are grafted into Christ, and abide in 
Him, that partake of the Divine life and virtue which is in Him ; 
these eat of his flesh and drink his blood. But if those who have 
once been partakers of the good word of life, and of the powers 
of the world to come, through the blessed operations of Divine 
grace in their hearts, by unwatchfulness and the influence of 
the things that perish, have become like dead branches, they 



424 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

cannot bring- forth fruit, to the praise of the Great Husbandman. 



pn 

It is our duty to provide for these tabernacles of clay, as well as 
to labor for the bread and the water of life ; and the great mat- 
ter is to keep those duties performed in their proper place. The 
heavens are to be kept above the earth ; and this true religion 
will enable us to do. Many are very industrious in ploughing 
their fields, sowing, harrowing, or in gathering in the crops 
with which a bounteous Creator has blessed them ; but how is it 
with the field or the vineyard of the heart ? Is the fallow ground 
there broken up, and the plant of renown flourishing and bring- 
ing forth fruit ? Does that lively concern which they felt in the 
beginning of their christian pilgrimage, to know the Divine will 
to prevail over all in them, day by day, still warm and invigor- 
ate their souls to press on in the great work of salvation? It is 
not once in grace, always in grace ; for some are spoken of, who 
had made shipwreck of faith, and of a good conscience ; which 
they must once have had ; and others, who turned the grace of 
Grod into lasciviousness, must have felt its power, or they could 
not be said thus to have fallen away from the grace received. 
There were other things opened, under a feeling of my own 
weakness, and frequent sense of destitution ; and with much 
brotherly tenderness towards those who may have suffered 
worldly things to dim their vision. My dear wife was enabled, 
under the spirit of supplication, to plead with the Father of 
mercies, to renew the extendings of his love and mercy, to those 
who, in days past, knew his fire to descend and consume the 
sacrifice upon the altar of their hearts, but which has become 
nearly smothered ; that He would be pleased to fan the spark 
yet left into a flame ; that so there may be a remnant preserved, 
and a band raised up in this place, to stand for the cause of 
Christ, and the spreading of his kingdom. 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 425 

CHAPTEE XXI. 

1848—1849. 

Religious Exercises at Home, and in different Meetings within Philadelphia 
Yearly Meeting. 

1848, Seventh month 31st. Went to Middletown this morn- 
ing, and was at the Monthly Meeting held there. My dear wife 
spoke to some convicted ones, before whom the Lord had set an 
open door, and invited them to come out of their thraldom to 
sin, and enter with the Bridegroom into his rest, from their evil 
ways and bondage ; warning them as they could not open that 
door, if they rejected the invitation, at a future period when He 
had risen up and closed it, the answer to their knocks, may be, 
"I never knew you. Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 
It appeared right for me to follow her, with the language of en- 
couragement, to those who had taken up the cross, and entered 
through the strait gate into the narrow way, to yield themselves 
to further baptisms and requisitions ; that they may be prepar- 
ed for their showing to Israel, more openly in the Lord's work. 
I believed there were those whom He would dignify and make 
vessels of honor in his house, if they were not marred on the 
wheel, through their unfaithfulness. My wife appeared in solemn 
supplication. 

Eighth month 1st. It is a precious thing to be brought en- 
tirely out of the spirit of revenge ; returning good for evil, and 
seeking the present and everlasting welfare of all. " Vengeance 
is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." Endeavor to convince 
people of their error in the spirit of restoring love, and if they 
are not converted from the evil of their way, leave them to the 
Lord. 

4th. Eeturned to our own habitation, and on the 5th, attended 
our Select Quarterly Meeting. 

7th. To-day was held the Quarterly Meeting for discipline. 
Two women Friends were acceptably engaged; one in the min- 
istry, and the other in prayer. 

9th. Feeling my mind drawn into sympathy with the small 
company of Friends composing Abington Select Quarterly Meet* 



426 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

ing, my wife and myself went to Germantown, and attended it. 
Tenderness of spirit spread over us, and we were engaged to 
encourage them to keep the faith, and in the leadings of the 
love of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, to visit each other 
in their respective meetings ; which we believed would have a 
strengthening effect upon visitors and the visited; and in the 
ordering of Divine wisdom, may be a means of bringing for- 
ward in the right way, some who have few to look up to, like 
fathers and mothers in the Truth. 

13th. The morning meeting was silent; but in the afternoon 
a number of strangers, of both sexes, coming in, after a time, I 
felt engaged to revive the statement, that in certain places, 
Jesus did not many mighty works, because of their unbelief; 
and to declare that to be the cause why there is so little vital 
religion among many professors of Christianity in this day. 
They do not believe in the manifestations of the Lord Jesus, by 
his Spirit in their hearts. They profess to own Him as their 
Lord and Saviour, but deny Him, in refusing to do his will ; 
and while they continue in sin, they cannot, in truth, call Him 
their Saviour; seeing no man can call Him Lord but by the 
Holy Spirit; and those who are turning, their back npon the 
convictions of the Holy Spirit, cannot experience it to give them 
faith in the Son of God. Yery unlooked for, the spring of the 
ministry was opened for the benefit of some present. 

17th. I went to Woodbury, and was at Salem Quarterly 
Meeting held there. Hinchman Haines was present, and 
preached. After him, I felt drawn to open the importance of 
the young and inexperienced keeping near to Truth, and the 
friends of Truth ; reviving the expressions in Solomon's songs : 
"Tell me, oh Thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedestj 
where thou makest thy nock to rest at noon ; for why should I 
be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions ? 
If thou knowest not, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the 
flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherd's tents." My mind 
was unusually clothed with fervent desire for young and old. 
That the latter might keep under right exercise of spirit, to 
draw the young ones to Christ, and that these may keep near to 
their older Friends ; that thus they may be mutually beneficial to 
each other; follow Christ in bearing his yoke, and experience 
the Lord's quickening power, to revive his work amongst us. 
Tt appeared to me there were those present who had greatly 






1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS, 427 

lost the dew of their youth, and were not now sensible of the 
humbling power of Divine love, upon their hearts, as they once 
were ; and I was engaged to pray for these, that the visitation 
might be renewed to them; and that He who saw the harvest 
was great, and the laborers few, would, if consistent with his 
will, send forth laborers into his harvest field. In the second 
meeting, I was also concerned to incite Friends to increased 
diligence in attending their meetings for worship and discipline, 
and to be faithful to the gift of God in their hearts therein. 

Eeturned home in the afternoon, wrapt up in inward silence 
and meditation, and though poor and unworthy, felt peace/ul. 

22d. Much poverty of spirit has been my portion for days 
past. Sometimes my mind has been under serious apprehen- 
sion, respecting a visit to most of the meetings of our Yearly 
Meeting; and just before our Monthly Meeting, I thought it 
would be proper to open it to that meeting; but it went off, and 
I kept it to myself. Like the corn of wheat, it must die out of 
sight, if it be brought forth into ripe fruit. Those who run 
without being sent, cannot possibly profit the people. The 
work is the Lord's. He only has the right to appoint to his ser- 
vants, their several positions ; and He only can enable them to 
work, and prosper it in their hands. 

29th. Burlington Quarterly Meeting coming before me, it 
appeared to be my place to attend it. I believe the Lord en- 
abled me to declare the way of life and salvation, as it is set 
forth in the ISTew Testament, and as it is witnessed by all who 
follow Christ in the regeneration. May we be preserved in a 
lowly, humble frame of mind ; taking the cup of suffering cheer- 
fully, and experiencing the Lord, in his tender mercy, to keep 
us alive in Him ; and to make use of us to arouse transgressors, 
and bring them to Christ ; that we may turn many to righte- 
ousness, and in the end be favored to hear the welcome language, 
" Well done, good and faithful servant ; thou hast been faithful 
in a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things : enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." I came home in a peaceful, 
comfortable state of mind. 

Ninth month 15th. Our Meeting for Sufferings was preserv- 
ed in much harmony in the transaction of its business. An epis- 
tle to the Meeting for Sufferings in London, was read and 
adopted. Close watchfulness against the insidious workings of 
a suspicious spirit, which would alienate Friends from each other, 



428 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848 

and thereby destroy our strength, is very needful. Daily ap- 
proaches to the throne of Grace, with desires that we may be 
kept humble, and quick of discerning our own liability to get 
wrong, is a very profitable and safe condition. 

21st. Feeling a gentle intimation to attend Frankford Meet- 
ing, I went there this morning. The company was small, and 
the Lord enabled me to hold forth a warning, to some who had 
known the work of religion, that they be not entangled with the 
cares and love of the world, lest they lose their first love, and 
be found not as willing to forsake all and follow the Lamb 
whithersoever He leads, as they were in their first convincement. 
To others who were often tried with poverty of spirit, and led 
to mourn over it, the language of encouragement flowed, to keep 
inward ; with their spiritual eye directed to Him whom the 
heaven of heavens cannot contain, waiting for his salvation. 
And when He sees their faith has been sufficiently proved, He 
will preach deliverance to the captive, the opening of the prison 
to them that are bound. He will give beauty for ashes, the oil 
of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
heaviness. Several said they were glad of the visit; and I 
thought it was a season of Divine regard and condescension. 

28th. I attended the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. In that 
for worship, the designs of the Almighty, respecting individuals, 
and the secret workings of his power to prepare them to an- 
swer these designs, came before me; under which I believed it 
right to hold forth the language of encouragement to such, to 
give up faithfully to his manifested will, and they would be led 
about, and instructed, and kept as the apple of his eye. Souls 
are as precious now, as in the dtfys of our forefathers ; and as 
He visited them with the Day-Spring from on high, and made 
many as pillars in his church, so, if yielded to, He would make 
many now fit for his service, and to become pillars in his church 
in their day. 

Of latter time the spring of the ministry, in our meeting, as 
regards myself at least, has been much shut up ; so that I have 
mourned over myself, and had fears whether a worldly spirit, 
or a stupefying lethargy, was not spreading over us. It seems, 
at times, almost impossible to get under a proper travail of 
spirit, in which Divine life is felt to arise and quicken the soul; 
qualifying it to bow in reverence before the Father of mercies, 
and to put up prayer to Him, in the Spirit that helpeth the in- 



1848] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 429 

firmities of those who devotedly wait upon Him. May we be 
enabled to keep hold of the shield of faith, and to press onward 
through the difficulties that are to be contended with ; looking 
for the renewed manifestations of the light of the Lord, and 
keeping the faith, that He will again visit his people, and lift 
up their heads above the afflictions of this day of secret and sore 
conflict. 

Tenth month 8th. This morning I had an intimation to go 
to Newton Meeting, which I have had no concern to visit for a 
long time. It appeared to me while sitting with them, that all 
the inventions of man, out of the Truth, would fail to produce 
solid happiness, and a holy serenity to the soul. Nothing could 
give this state of mind to any, but obedience to the will of God, 
made known by the clear inshining of the Light of Christ. I 
felt a strong and affectionate solicitude for all, that they might 
entirely yield to its convictions, and be thereby brought out of 
darkness and cruel bondage, into the liberty of the children of 
God. A fresh qualification was administered to set before them, 
many of the truths of salvation, and to labor fervently with 
them, in the language of persuasion, to give up to the Lord's 
manifested will. I came home peaceful, poor and empty. 

14th. What a sweet feeling spreads over the mind, when 
through the ever-watchful Shepherd, we are enabled to main- 
tain a steadfast guard over our spirit under provocation, and to 
stifle the rising disposition to anger and resentment; to sup- 
press even an unkind remark ; and to bear, in the meek spirit 
which the Lord alone can give, whatever is calculated to irri- 
tate, even in the small incidents of life. " He that ruleth his 
own spirit, is better than he that taketh a city." It is only 
through humble watchfulness, and secret breathing for preserva- 
tion, from day to day, that we gain the victory. 

16th. I received a letter from a Friend in Great Britain, 
giving a view of the state of the ministry among Friends 
there, and the great defection from the life and power of reli- 
gion among many. It is mournful to reflect upon the state of 
things in this country and in England, among the members of 
our religious Society. How the will and contrivance of man, 
are at work, to manage its concerns, and to govern, instead of 
the Head of the church. Those who cannot act without the re- 
newed putting forth of the Divine hand, are borne down in some 
places, and obliged to submit to silent, secret suffering, because 



430 JOURNAL Or WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

they see no way to obtain relief. But surely as they keep a 
single eye to the Lord, in the faith and patience of the saints, 
He will hear their cry, sustain them under deep affliction, for 
his name' and cause' sake, and in his time, grant deliverance ; 
when the horse and his rider will be thrown into the sea. And 
it will be found, sooner or later, a fearful thing to have been 
withstanding the Lord's suffering children, turning judgment 
backward, and exalting that which He has not ordained to be 
set up. 

22d. In some of our meetings for worship, of latter time, 
the world seemed to absorb the minds of very many, so that we 
are in danger of being left by the Head of the church ; and 
without his life-giving presence, what will all our assemblings 
together avail us ? A few years ago, we had many exercised, 
experienced Friends, who were thoroughly acquainted with the 
nature of true, spiritual worship, and the labor that is indispen- 
sable in our meetings, that the spirit and things of the world 
may be kept out, and the bubblings up of the well of Divine 
life may be known in every heart. Figuratively speaking, they 
dug as with their staves in their hands, while the secret breath- 
ing of their souls was, "Spring up, oh well, sing ye unto it." 
We, who were then much their juniors, did not so much feel the 
weight of the exercise, while we were favored by the Lord, and 
partook of the help and travail of their spirits. I have felt 
engaged to invite the attention of the people to the nature of 
the worship which our Lord opened to the woman of Samaria, 
which is to be performed in spirit and in truth; and which 
must consequently be between God, who is a Spirit, and the soul 
of man. And if we are a worshipping assembly, every one 
must be engaged for himself in this worship. It does not con- 
sist in meeting together, and sitting in silence, though these are 
necessary preparatives to public, spiritual worship ; but every one 
must wait upon the Lord, to experience Him to come into the 
heart, and give ability to ask aright for living bread, and for those 
things we need, in the way of Divine instruction and help ; and 
thereby be prepared to return thanksgiving and praise, for his 
condescension and goodness. A word of warning was also given 
to the young people, to keep the watch wherever they go, that 
they may not lose the little strength they have gained by faith- 
fulness ; for Satan is constantly seeking to destroy the good 
work. It is a source of grief to the laborers, to behold plants 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 431 

dwindling, and not bearing fruit, over whom they had watched; 
and whom they had secretly desired, might become fellow-help- 
ers in the Lord. 

24th. Attended the Northern District Monthly Meeting. 
Some have need to be more emptied of themselves, and of their 
own imaginary wisdom, and understanding in spiritual things ; 
so that they might be prepared to be filled with the Lord's 
riches and strength out of the true treasury. In emptiness 
there is fulness, and in nothingness the possession of all things. 
" As poor," said an eminent apostle, "yet making many rich ; as 
having nothing, and yet possessing all things." And to his imme- 
diate disciples, our Lord said, "Blessed be ye poor; for yours is 
the kingdom of God." May we all be more and more willing 
to abide under the Lord's hand, in these stripping, emptying 
dispensations, which He knows are necessary for us ; that we 
may be made and preserved vessels, sanctified and meet for the 
Master's use. 

25th. We had hope, in answering the Queries in our Monthly 
Meeting, that unity is not upon the decline amongst us, and 
that the evil practice of carrying tales from house to house, in 
a detracting way, does not subsist amongst us to any great de- 
gree ; yet were we individually kept under a right exercise of 
mind, there would be more true fellowship experienced. It was 
thought to be an interesting meeting. The sentiments of 
several were called forth respecting the caution, that ought to be 
maintained, on entering into business, not to put at hazard the 
property of others. The Truth led our fathers to labor with 
their own hands, in some instances, to procure the means to 
purchase even the tools they needed in their business, and to 
move on slowly, that they might not enter into contracts which 
they could not comply with; and thereby bring reproach on 
their religious profession. If people are honest and industrious, 
they can obtain, without improper risks, what is necessary for 
their comfortable subsistence ; and they will prove, that " Godli- 
ness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that 
now is, and of that which is to come." 

29th. A silent meeting this morning. In the afternoon some 
of James Naylor's expressions, near the close of his life, were 
revived ; respecting the spirit that outlives all wrath and con- 
tention ; that tabes its kingdom by entreaty, and keeps it by 
lowliness of mind. This is the spirit of the Lamb, who takes 



432 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1848. 

away the sin of the world, and gives strength to keep the faith 
and patience of the saints. He that ruleth his own spirit, is 
better than he that taketh a city; he will have peace in him- 
self, and spread it among those who are about him. 

30th. The committees appointed by the several Monthly 
Meetings in this city, on the subject of reopening meetings, to 
be held during the approaching winter, on the evening of first- 
days, met this morning, and experienced a measure of the ce- 
menting fellowship of the Spirit of the blessed Head of the 
church ; bringing us under a travail for the promotion of the 
cause of Truth. Although we are clothed with weakness, a 
sincere desire was felt, that the little strength we have; may be 
used in the Lord's fear and under his direction, that we may ex- 
perience an increase thereof; and the feet of inquirers after good, 
may be turned into the way to Zion. With much unanimity, 
we agreed to propose the holding of such meetings, and Friends 
rejoiced that they were so united ; considering it as an evi- 
dence that Divine regard and kindness were still round about 
us. 

Eleventh month 14th. Last fifth-day, the 9th, my wife and 
myself, went to Westfield, New Jersey, and attended their 
usual mid-week meeting ; in which, after a season of silent 
waiting, we had some service. On sixth-day morning, we rode 
over to Evesham Monthly Meeting ; in which my wife labored 
to draw some of those present, off from the inordinate pursuit of 
the world, into a love of the kingdom of God, and the righteous- 
ness thereof. Attended the Monthly Meeting of Upper Evesham, 
on 7th day. In this, and in that of Evesham, there was no 
business to claim the attention of Friends, although the meet- 
ings are both pretty large. We were at their first-day meet- 
ing. In all these, the Seed seemed under oppression, and 
there is not that growth in the Truth, which ought to be 
evident, where so many temporal and spiritual blessings have 
been bestowed. Oh, the benumbing effects of the world, and 
the seemingly necessary engagements in lawful business ! Un- 
less some calamity is brought over us, or the Lord conde- 
scends to awaken powerfully the stupefied and worldly-mind- 
ed members of our Society, it looks probable, that many will 
be sunk into total unconcern about their soul's everlasting 
welfare, until the last trump of God shall awaken them to ap- 
pear before the judgment seat of Christ. Woful must then be 



1848.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 433 

the state of such pretenders to belief in the doctrines of Chris- 
tianity ; whose lives show that they are worshipping and ser- 
ving the creatures, instead of the Creator ; who only is blessed 
and worthy of all adoration and praise forevermore. We came 
to Haddonfield in the afternoon, and next-day attended their 
Monthly Meeting. 

26th. Our first-day meeting has been a season of inward ex- 
ercise in silence. There was little caught with all our toil ; but 
we remembered Him, who directed his disciples to give the mul- 
titude food, because He would not send them away fasting, lest 
they should faint by the way ; and we trusted that He was not 
unmindful of our needs. 

29th. I went this morning to the Western Meeting. The 
work of the ministry does not feel to me to be any less fearful 
to engage in, than it did in the beginning. It is a mercy, when 
we are favored, to get through with the work to which we are 
called in any meeting, without saying what we should not. The 
only safe ground to stand and act upon, is humble dedication to 
the Lord; not seeking to be put forth in words, but waiting in 
the quiet habitation, until the time comes to feel the quickening 
power, and the authority or direction to stand up. The crea- 
ture and the openings made, are often baptized into death. But 
if the Lord has a service for his devoted children, He will pre- 
pare, make the way clear, and give utterance, often to their ad- 
miration, and sometimes, humiliation. 

He helped me this day to bear testimony to the indispensable 
need of the inward work of religion, which is begun and car- 
ried on in the heart by the Spirit of Christ; and that this is a 
daily work, from the beginning of it in early life, to the close of 
our earthly pilgrimage. Buy the truth, by parting with all it 
calls for, and sell it not. If any man barter it away, for the 
friendships of the world, the last state of that man is worse 
than the first. A solemnity spread over the meeting. 

Twelfth month 9th. Our meeting this morning was large ; in 
which the doctrine of immediate Divine revelation, as the source 
of a knowledge of the will of God concerning us ; of the strength 
to do it, and of the true understanding of the Holy Scriptures, 
so that we may be really benefitted by them, was held forth ; un- 
der the fresh openings and authority of Him who giveth gifts 
to men, and the qualification to occupy them to his honor. A 
Friend, of religious feeling, expressed his unity ; there being, he 



434 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849 

said, some things to which the doctrine particularly applied, 
of which I did not know. 

25th. Last evening our first-day meeting was not as large as 
those heretofore held, probably owing to the dampness of the 
weather. Although we had ministers who were strangers, it 
was held in silence ; under, I hope, some travail of spirit, 
that" the Lord would teach and feed his people Himself. When 
He anoints and puts forth in the work of the ministry, no man 
or woman has the right to hold back, or to hinder the work ; 
but if, for fear of the people being scattered, or discouraged, any 
undertake to prepare and offer in their own will and wisdom, 
the lifeisburthened in the true worshippers, and the disposition 
to hear words is fed and strengthened in those who have itch- 
ing ears, and whose dwelling is in the outer court. May those 
upon whom the cause heavily rests, be kept in the Lord's hand, 
watching against every device of the enemy; who is constantly 
seeking to frustrate the good intended for them, and to divide 
and destroy the flock. How fearful is our situation ; and how 
needful is constant application to the throne of Grace and Mercy, 
for Divine strength and preservation. 

1849, First month 11th. It has seemed to me that our pre- 
servation will consist in being individually obedient in all things, 
both to do and to suffer, according to the will of God concern- 
ing ourselves ; and as He manifests it to us by his Spirit in the 
heart. To look to and rely upon the ever-blessed and all-power- 
ful Head of the church, to guide and keep us as a people, and 
to support his own cause Himself. He alone can do it ; and we 
have need to be upon our guard that we do not attempt to take 
the work into our hands ; thinking that we see exactly how 
the Society should be delivered out of its difficulties, and the 
ciiuse of Christ be carried over all opposition. 

I believe it is also very necessary to cherish feelings of ten- 
derness and much forbearance, for those who do not see eye to 
eye with ourselves ; that as we look for mercy at the hand of 
our Heavenly Father, we may be careful not to indulge in a 
spirit of enmity towards them ; but endeavor to bear each other's 
burdens, that we may fulfil the law of Christ ; which is a law 
of compassion and love. As we endeavor daily to dwell in this 
spirit, there will be seasons wherein we shall be enabled to draw 
very near to the throne of Grace, and pour forth supplications 
for ourselves, and for the church, that He will spare his people, 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 435 

and not give his heritage to reproach, that unbelievers in his 
goodness and immediate power, may not rule over them. 

23d. I have passed through a state of great strippedness for 
several weeks past. Such dispensations are truly humiliating; 
and though a great trial to endure, bring those who dare not 
look for relief from any source than the Lord alone, to bow very 
low, and endeavor to draw near to Him, with their hearts pant- 
ing after the living GJ-od, as the hart panteth after the water- 
brook. How evident to them is it at such seasons, that they 
are nothing ; that there is no good but what comes from Christ ; 
no power to do good but what He inspires the soul with, and 
that it is not at our will to command the seasons when they 
shall be dispensed. This must be waited for in abasement and 
abhorrence of self; by which we are taught that Christ alone 
can carry on the work in us and for us, and qualify us when 
He pleases, to hand the bread that He gives, to others. 

On first-day morning, the 21st, at our own meeting, for about 
one hour, it seemed almost impossible to exclude thoughts on 
subjects, which had nothing to do with Divine worship. When 
they were cast out, they seemed almost at once to return, though 
there was a struggle to overcome. But after a time, when the 
Master drew near, deliverance was experienced, and a little 
ability was granted, to testify experimentally, that there is no 
spiritual life by which the soul is quickened and made alive unto 
G-od, but that which comes from Christ ; who is the way, the 
truth and the life. 

At the evening meeting, my mind was introduced into much 
feeling with the young people, on account of the many and va- 
rious temptations to, which they are exposed; and the sad 
consequences of quenching the Spirit and its convictions in 
their hearts. I was led to remind them that there was no stop- 
ping-point in the two ways ; in one or other of which they must 
be walking ; the broad road that leads to destruction, or the 
narrow way that leads to everlasting life. If we keep in the 
latter, it will, as the just man's path, shine more and more unto 
the perfect day ; but in the former, we shall wander further and 
further from the Heavenly Father's house, and grow darker and 
more hardened in transgression and sin. They were warned of 
the inevitable danger, in this way, of finally slighting and de- 
spising religion and serious persons, and of falling into prac- 
tices which they had never intended to adopt. They could not 



436 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1849. 



decide beforehand how far they would go; but might become 
familiarized with things, which at one time they would have 
abhorred. After having come under Satan's influence, they have 
no power to release themselves from his grasp : nothing but the 
almighty arm of the Saviour can deliver them ; and should they 
continue to deny and reject Him, they would have no ground to 
hope for his help. Parents were also reminded that the devia- 
tions of the children were, at times, in part to be attributed to 
their want of firmness and faithfulness. That, like Eli, they 
might warn, but they had not sufficient!} 7 restrained them. The 
young people were tenderly expostulated with, and affectionately 
entreated, that when favored with the visitations of Divine light, 
showing them where they are, and to what they are hasten- 
ing, to make a stand, turn their back on the tempter, and follow 
Christ; who would take them out of the broad road, and intro- 
duce them through the strait gate into the narrow way ; where 
they would enjoy peace and substantial happiness ; grow in grace ; 
and in their language and conduct, invite others to follow them 
as they followed Christ. 

We had good reason to bless his holy name, for regarding our 
low estate, and lifting up once more the light of his countenance 
upon us. I hope there were impressions received, which will 
not be soon effaced. 

24th. The wing of ancient goodness was mercifully spread 
over us to-day in our Monthly Meeting, both in that for wor- 
ship and for discipline. It felt to me that the Lord in mercy 
drew near to his suffering, and often disconsolate children, and 
gave renewed evidence, that, as they were faithful, He would 
not forsake them; but would turn their captivity as the streams 
of the south; and by the might of his power, raise them up above 
their enemies. They were encouraged to keep to their exer- 
cises, and they would be strengthened and bound together; 
every one having his station allotted him by the Captain of 
salvation. It was the time for answering all the Queries, and 
the meeting was preserved under a very solid and gathered 
feeling; and, I trust, some experienced it to be good for them 
to be there. Robert Scotton was with us, and had a word of 
encouragement for us in the first meeting ; also our beloved 
friend Margaret Hutchinson, who feelingly exhorted us to be 
faithful unto death, and the Lord would give us a crown of 
life. 



1849.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 437 

29th. To two young Friends who called at our house, I felt 
drawn, in tender affection, to hold up the great importance of 
being brought into and walking in that path, which the vul- 
ture's eye hath not seen, nor the lion's whelp trodden therein ;■ 
neither shall any ravenous beast go up thereon ; it shall be call- 
ed a way — a way of holiness, and the ransomed and redeemed 
shall walk therein ; and as they are faithful to Him, who casts 
up and leads int^ this way, they shall come to Zion, with songs, 
and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. They were in- 
vited to be obedient to Him who anoints the spiritual eye to see 
this path, that they might experience Him to take up his abode 
with them, and to join Himself to them in a perpetual covenant 
that would never be broken on his part, while they kept faith- 
ful to their Lord and Master. May they be brought into this 
covenant, and be made preachers of righteousness, in the midst 
of a crooked and perverse generation. 

Second month 3d. Our Select Quarterly Meeting was a time 
of inward affliction. Oh! that self may be made of no reputa- 
tion ; and that a fervent travail of soul may be maintained before 
the Lord, that everything that would wound the hidden life, 
and mar the unity which should prevail, may be kept out of 
our hearts. There are seasons in which we feel peculiarly 
left to ourselves, no doubt for the trial of our faith, and to 
make us sensible of our nothingness; and if we rightly endure 
these dispensations, they will prepare us, like vessels emptied 
and cleansed, to be again filled with riches from the Lord's store- 
house. 

5th. Our Quarterly Meeting for business was rather a favor- 
ed time; I think there was an exercise in the second meeting 
for the welfare of the members, and that the authority of Christ 
was measurably maintained. 

11th. This has been a day of deep, inward conflict, without 
being able to attain much, to comfort the tossed mind. If in 
our religious meetings we are not unitedly engaged to labor for 
the meat that endureth unto everlasting life, the spirit of anti- 
christ will have the ascendency in many, who will be far from 
performing that worship which is in spirit and in truth. Indi- 
vidual travail of soul is indispensable to the life of a meeting, 
and to the preservation of the members as branches of the true 
Yine. Although man, by his own* efforts merely, cannot keep 
himself under this exercise, yet he is bound to seek for Divine 
29 



438 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

help, to enable him to wait upon the Lord for the appearance 
of his life-giving presence, and to believe that it is indispensable 
to his life and growth in the Truth. When we are permitted 
to toil all night, and to feel, at last, as if we had taken nothing, 
and fears assail us, whether we shall not be altogether left by 
the Master, it is a favor to remember that there is a portion of 
suffering to be filled up for the body's sake : and if in this way, 
we are participating in it, to a small degree, it is enough; that 
in this travail of spirit, we may be made ministers of life to 
other seeking ones. 

28th. The great contrast between the legal and gospel dis- 
pensations, was a little opened. One says, "An eye for an eye, 
and a tooth for a tooth." The other, "Love your enemies; 
bless them that curse you ; do good to them that hate you, and 
pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you." If 
in time of peace, we are seeking to lay waste our friends, how 
are we to love enemies in time of war? The whisperer, who is 
going about like an insidious serpent, will separate very friends. 
Where any are thus seeking, without any foundation, to whis- 
per something against a friend, to destroy his standing and 
usefulness, how can they love enemies, and bless them that 
curse them, or do good to them that hate them ? Where the 
gospel and its nature are brought into the heart, our Lord 
will enable his children to follow his example, in doing good, 
and when any are seeking to injure us, to say in sincerity, 
'■Father, forgive them; they know not what they do." It is 
only as this spirit is lived in, that we can experience the love 
of God to flow in our souls ; and as it prevails and sweetens 
our hearts, the true love for the brethren and the precious fel- 
lowship which has often subsisted in our religious Society, will 
be restored ; the bones that have been broken will rejoice. 

Third month 28th. B. H. and J. S. of Ohio, were at our 
Monthly Meeting to-day. Friends were comforted by their 
company, and B. H.'s services. We have had silent meetings for 
several weeks. This morning the spring of the ministry, was 
a little opened in some others also, and warning was sounded 
in the ears of those who are putting their trust in outward 
things, and turning the back upon the clear manifestations of 
the Holy Spirit in their own souls. 

Fourth month 1st. Pretty soon after rising this morning, I 
felt a polluting to go to the Arch Street Meeting, being first-day; 






1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 439 

where I think I have not been, on that day of the week, for 
several years. Before I left my chamber, the declaration re- 
corded in the Psalms was brought very livingly to my remem- 
brance : " Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine 
inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy pos- 
session. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron ; thou shalt 
dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." It appeared clear to 
me, that the Almighty Father would, in his time, give to his 
beloved Son, the kingdoms of this world, and Satan would be 
put under foot ; and a cloud of discouragement was in some de- 
gree dispersed. At the meeting, I was led to speak of the doc- 
trine and duty of inward, reverent, silent waiting before the 
Lord, as of essential importance to the growth of the true be- 
liever. That no man can be a true follower of Christ without 
it ; for if he be one of his disciples, he will feel bound, day by 
day, and oftener, to wait upon the Lord for the renewal of his 
strength. It was practised by the holy ancients; who sat upon 
their watch-tower, and waited to see what the Lord would say 
unto them, and what they should answer when they were re- 
proved. In this humble, reverent frame, He often condescends 
to show us our weakness, or something wherein we are not 
coming up to the pattern of perfection, which our Lord set be- 
fore us. Friends were invited into this state; wherein they 
would be raised above the wrath of their enemies, and be en- 
abled to condemn every tongue that riseth up in judgment with 
them. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

1849. 

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting — Causes of Discouragement — Visit at the Sea- 
shore, and Reflections on the Dangers attending Visits at such places — Visits 
to different Meetings — Death of Sarah Emlen — State of our Religious So- 
ciety — Margaret Hutchinson — Visit to Muncy. 

1849, Fourth month 14th. Our Yearly Meeting of Ministers 
and Elders was held this morning. Several strangers attended, 






440 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

but said little. After the answers to the Queries on the minis- 
try were read, it came weightily and very unexpectedly upon 
me, that the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ was one of 
the most important services we could be engaged in : that one 
of his ancient apostles speaking of his ministry, said, " I neither 
received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation 
of Jesus Christ;" and that this remained to be the only source 
and authority of all true gospel ministry, down to this day. 
However unlooked for the motion was, I felt constrained to 
rise, and as I might be enabled, to speak upon this weighty 
subject. It came before me, also, that nothing in the form of 
a religious duty, could be of much more prejudice to the church, 
than a ministry of mere words, without the putting forth of the 
Head of the church. That persons who had once received the 
gift from Him who ascended up on high; and in the beginning, 
had exercised it in the life and power of Christ, might gradual- 
ly fall into a habit of uttering words, that were not a savor of 
life to the living ; and some who never had been entrusted with 
a gift, might undertake to officiate in this way. Such a minis- 
try seems as if it would strike down to the ground the living 
members, and clothe them with mourning ; instead of comfort- 
ing and strengthening them. Some of us had lived long enough, 
to remember many living and deeply baptized ministers, who 
knew what it was to go down into suffering with their Lord, 
and to remain there his appointed time; until they knew Him, 
who is the resurrection and the life, to quicken and enable them 
to bring up stones of memorial. These were a comfort to the 
church, and the living gathered as round about them in spirit, 
supporting their hands in the work ; and thus all were strength- 
ened together. But what a change has taken place amongst 
this people. The importance of having discerning elders, who 
can distinguish between the true and the false ; and under the 
influence and authority of the spirit of sound judgment, are led 
to give the living child to the right mother, was also spoken to. 
Where such go to a brother, in the meekness of wisdom, and the 
gentleness of Christ, and under a right exercise for his preser- 
vation, unburthen their minds, when they feel that a minister 
is losing in life and power, it is a great favor to such; for which, 
if they are in a proper spirit, they will feel thankful. It is also 
important that true elders be faithful in opening to those who, 
having received no gift in the ministry, mistake their services 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 441 

in the church, and burthen Friends with their communications; 
not only that such may be prevented from bringing the minis- 
try into disrepute, but that they may be turned into the channel 
of service which the Lord designs them for. Our friend Samuel 
Bettle, Sr., said, that the care of elders and the proper hearing 
of them by ministers, was a practice that the Society had always 
observed ; and that it was in this way the different members 
of the church edified one another. Several other Friends ex- 
pressed their unity with what was delivered, and the authority 
of Truth prevailed in good measure over the meeting. 

On the 16th, the Yearly Meeting for the general affairs of the 
church began, and continued until the close of the 20th. The 
business was conducted with harmony, excepting the discussion 
which arose on a report prepared by the Meeting for Sufferings, 
on the division that had taken place in ]STew England Yearly 
Meeting, which was objected to by some of the members. But 
the more solid and experienced part of the meeting, united with 
it ; and it was finally concluded to adopt it, and to furnish each 
body, in that Yearly Meeting, with a copy. Many Friends 
thought that the meeting was much favored with the oversha- 
dowing of the good presence of the Head of the church. When 
a proposition from New York Yearly Meeting, to hold a con- 
ference of " representatives of the Society," came up for consid- 
eration, the meeting decided with great quietness, that the way 
did not open to join in with the measure. 

Nothing authorizes a man to speak to the weighty matters 
of the church, but the putting forth of the blessed Head of the 
church. There must be a proper exercise to prepare to speak 
in the humble spirit and authority of Truth. If this ground is 
not kept, our religious meetings will become mere debating as- 
sociations ; and learning, wit and worldly influence will finally 
govern and decide ; and thus the character of a church of Christ 
will be lost. We shall not be of his sheep, who know his voice, 
and follow Him, and who refuse to follow the voice of a stran- 
ger, because they know not the voice of strangers. 

Fifth month 6th. May the Lord never forsake us as a people, 
but if needful, by the revelation of his righteous judgments, 
bring us down, make us and keep us his humble, devoted fol- 
lowers ; that we may be under his government, and made use 
of by Him, to spread his blessed and glorious kingdom in the 
earth. 



442 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

20th. Our meetings for worship have often been laborious; 
in silent waiting and struggling to keep the mind from wander- 
ing. Yet at seasons, a little hope and consolation, as from the 
nether springs, have been secretly furnished; and sometimes 
through the ministry. In the morning, being first-day, I was 
constrained to testify, that where the eye was kept single to 
Christ, the whole body would, at times, be full of light. This 
could only be known as we are obedient to whatever He re- 
quires. Light, and love to God, are increased by faithfully fol- 
lowing Christ ; until it becomes easy to do his will ; which is 
then our meat and drink. Satan stands at our right hand, to 
tempt and to destroy; but these humble followers of the Lamb, 
are immediately warned against his temptations ; and if their eye 
is single to Christ, and they resist the devil, he flees from them ; 
and thus they obtain the victory. 

Sixth month 10th. This has been a day of discouragement; 
little being obtained that gave direct evidence of Divine appro- 
bation and regard ; and there are now very few who can speak 
a word of comfort to those that are weary. Such dispensations 
administer the sentence of death, not to trust in ourselves, or in 
others ; but teach us to look to and wait for his appearance, who 
raiseth the dead. I read several letters contained in a collec- 
tion of Sarah Lynes Grubb's, lately published in England. 
They show the workings of a spirit that is drawing Friends 
from the inward, spiritual experience of the religion of the Lord 
Jesus, and transferring the thoughts to that which He did for 
us, without us, and to a literal study and knowledge of the 
Holy Scriptures. We have always believed in the truth and 
Divine authority of the Scriptures, and that no doctrine or 
practice, which is incompatible with them, is to be received: 
that it is through the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, pardon and 
reconciliation are obtained, and the gift of the Holy Spirit pro- 
cured ; yet all will avail comparatively little, unless we co-oper- 
ate with his Spirit in our hearts ; experiencing Him to prepare 
them by his baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, to be taber- 
nacles, sanctified for Him to dwell in Thus only can we know 
Him to be in us, " The hope of glory," the Author and finisher 
of our faith, and of every good thought, word and work, that is 
brought forth in us. 

15th. We had a large Meeting for Sufferings, in which the 
business that claimed our attention, was conducted with much 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 443 

satisfaction. The consideration of slavery, and the African 
slave trade, afresh impressed the minds of Friends, with a sense 
of the cruelties, and great violation of the spirit of Christianity, 
and of the unquestionable rights of men, attending this horrible 
and most iniquitous system ; and the committee having these 
subjects in charge, were encouraged to renew the consideration 
whether there is any step that could be now advantageously 
taken, to support and spread our testimony against these great 
evils. 

Seventh month 4th. The Asiatic cholera has been in our 
city about two weeks. Some appear to feel alarm, and fear it 
may spread ; but it has visited so many places, in the villages 
particularly along or near water courses, that but few compara- 
tively are leaving the city on account of it. The instances of 
persons dying with but few hours illness, and of course with 
little warning, are indeed fearful, and, at times, bring sensations 
of awfulness over the mind. 

I have found it my place, very much, of latter times, to keep 
silence in our meetings; but this morning, the impulse was felt 
to invite the members to closer watchfulness, that they might 
escape the temptations of the enemy ; and not only on that 
account, but also because the pestilence that walketh in dark- 
ness, was abroad in the world, and none knew what a day or 
an hour might bring forth. If all were engaged to prepare a 
habitation for the mighty God of Jacob to dwell in, we should 
be prepared to meet whatever trials might be permitted to over- 
take us. 

8th. The want of that unity, by which the exercised mem- 
bers are made a strength, and an encouragement to one another, 
has been much felt. The Society is now suffering great loss 
from this cause ; and until the unity of the Spirit, which it has 
known in time past, is restored, weakness will be our lot. The 
various members of the body are designed to be helpful to each 
other; but if they are disjointed, there will be much suffering, 
and the work which the church is called to perform, will be im- 
peded. What inconceivable injury is inflicted, by influential 
persons getting out of their places, and undertaking to do what 
the Head never directed them to do. We cannot restore the pre- 
cious harmony as soon as we may see the need of it. The Lord 
alone can do it, and we must wait upon Him, and bear the suf- 



444 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

fering which is our lot, until in mercy, He again arises, and 
commands deliverance for Jacob, his suffering, travailing seed. 

10th. My brother Thomas having gone to Cape Island, on 
account of his infirm health, and it being necessary that one 
of his brothers should be with him, I came dowm this morning. 

12th. Living with a class of people, whose habits and opin- 
ions are very different from those of Friends, is trying. There 
being nothing like seriousness among s mo of them, we seem 
to be in each other's way. Unless Friends keep steadily upon 
their watch in such places, they are in danger of being leavened 
with the spirit such persons live in, and gradually falling into 
their manners, and imitating their changeable fashions in dress. 
The amusements which are prepared for the light spirits here, 
are a strong temptation to young people ; especially, when they 
are not watched over by consistent parents, under a proper re- 
ligious concern themselves, and who would restrain them from 
resorting to such entertainments. It seems as if some felt them- 
selves freed from proper restraint, and at liberty to indulge in 
frivolity. In this way they crucify to themselves the Son of 
God afresh, and put Him to an open shame. Such are evil ex- 
amples to others. 

The kingdom of Satan is gaining ground in this land, and if 
those who consider themselves lovers of religion, slacken their 
watchfulness, and their resistance to wrong things, the tide of 
corruption must gain a powerful ascendency over the morals of 
the people at large. 

I consider it dangerous for religious people, to be long mingled 
with irreligious, or light persons, on terms of courtesy and famili- 
arity. They are in danger of being leavened with their spirit, 
of losing their strength, and then falling in with something that 
will grieve the Holy Spirit, and wound their own souls ; and 
when once wounded, they may never recover, but go halting all 
their days. Very many are ashamed of the simplicity of the 
cross. Some who may be pretty staid among their friends at 
home, and yet not very firm against the current of fashion, 
and libertinism, may be thus drawn into it; and at such places, 
lay aside the Quaker character and manners, almost alto- 
gether; thereby bringing reproach upon the name and cause of 
Christ. 

Those who are enemies to religion, and ready to disseminate 
their poisonous opinions, are often found in these places of public 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 445 

resort ; where they put on great politeness, and blandness of 
manner, to insinuate themselves more effectually into the es- 
teem of strangers. They often carry an exterior of great kind- 
ness, and interest in the accommodation of others ; by which, 
unwary young people may be attracted to them, and led to 
think, that where such apparently disinterested good-will exists, 
the principles cannot be dangerous. To send young people 
where they will mingle with such, exposes them to receive a 
hurtful bias, which it may be extremely difficult to eradicate, 
and which may be used by Satan to destroy their faith in the 
christian religion, or hinder them from giving up to walk in the 
path of self-denial. We cannot expect, while in this world, to 
avoid all intercourse with men who have little or no religious 
scruples ; but the less of it, the better. 

Many parents who have permitted their children to associate 
with the gay and the frivolous, have finally found their sons and 
daughters had a total disrelish for plain and unfashionable com- 
pany. The gay world, which lies in wickedness, has stolen 
away their hearts from their Saviour ; they become dissatisfied 
with that which is serious, and restrictive, and are soon pre- 
pared to leave the Society, of which they were birthright mem- 
bers, to become votaries of the world. 

17th. I have passed some of the time here in reading the 
letters of that extraordinary woman, the late Sarah Lynes 
Grubb. She was an instrument peculiarly prepared by the 
Lord Almighty, to uphold and to spread the doctrines and testi- 
monies of the christian religion, as promulgated by George 
Fox, E. Barclay, and other Friends, in the rise of our religious 
Society. The reliance of some, among Friends, upon human 
talents, without waiting upon the Lord, to receive from Him 
ability and authority for every good word and work, occasioned 
her much suffering and anxiety ; especially, in relation to its 
effect on the true welfare of the Society, and the blessed cause 
given it to uphold. In this exercise, she appears to have labored 
much alone for several years ; but when called upon to advocate 
the cause of her Divine Master, she was plain and thorough in 
her testimony ; especially, against all the efforts used by some 
to change the faith of Friends ; often expressing the belief, that 
such would, in time, be scattered ; and that a righteous seed 
would be preserved, that shall again flourish. 



446 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

18th. Another brother coming down to stay with Thomas, 
I returned home. 

22d. The cholera has been in our city several weeks, twelve 
to thirty dying daily with the fearful disease. 

26th. In the night season, I lay sometime awake, under 
mournful feelings ; death being abroad, summoning many to 
their everlasting home. But as I looked towards the Lord Al- 
mighty, in his holy temple, endeavoring to rely upon Him, the 
language was sweetly revived : They that trust in the Lord, 
shall not be confounded, but they shall be as Mount Zion, that 
cannot be removed ; and ability was mercifully granted to put 
my trust in my blessed Heavenly Father, and safely to repose 
upon his goodness, and unfailing compassionate regard towards 
me, a poor unworthy creature. 

31st. I received information of the decease of Sarah Emlen. 
This dear Friend was an acceptable minister, and had been 
much dedicated to the Lord's service. She, and her ministerial 
labors, will doubtless be much missed in the church. The re- 
moval of faithful laborers at this day of close conflict and prov- 
ing, adds to the mournful feelings with which many are now 
clothed ; but it is no time to cast away our confidence in Bound- 
less Mercy and compassion. The Lord's arm is not shortened, 
nor his ear grown heavy ; but I believe we may safely conclude, 
that after purging and humbling his people, He will arise in his 
might, dissipate the clouds, and again give precious gifts to sons 
and daughters. 

Eighth month 6th. Mary Carpenter, a member of Philadel- 
phia Monthly Meeting, having deceased, I felt my mind drawn 
in sympathy to go to the house, and sit with the connections 
and friends. The expression, "Precious in the sight of the 
Lord is the death of his saints," came before me ; and under the 
constraining influence of Heavenly Love, I was led to testify, 
that it was a blessed gathering of the sanctified in Christ Jesus, to 
their everlasting mansion among the saints in light; and to de- 
clare my belief, that if those who are left in this state of proba- 
tion, follow them as they followed Christ, walking by the same 
rule and minding the same thing, they will be also prepared by 
the Holy Spirit, to receive precious gifts; and the doctrines and 
testimonies of the gospel given Friends to support, will not be 
permitted to fall to the ground in this city. It was a tendering, 
comforting opportunity, that ended in peace. 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 447 

Our Quarterly Meeting, which met this day, was held in sol- 
emn silence ; which led me to think, that while we can hold our 
religious meetings under such solemnity, we are not deserted by 
the Gracious Head of the Church. May we be preserved in 
reverent, humble waiting before Him, and with loins girded and 
lights burning, do his blessed will on all occasions. A concern 
for the welfare of members of the meeting on the other side of 
the mountains, spread over us, and a few Friends were separa- 
ted to make them a visit, in the love of the gospel, for their 
strength and encouragement. 

15th. Went with my dear wife to Salem Select Quarterly 
Meeting, held at Woodbury ; which is in a very reduced state. 
Several of the members were absent to-day, occasioned by the 
death of Mary She])pard, of Greenwich, who had been but a few 
years acknowledged as a minister, and was well esteemed by 
those who were acquainted with her, in the exercise of her gift. 
Our condition as a religious body calls for deep indwelling with 
the Master, and serious enquiry what He would have every one 
to do ; that each may know the work of salvation to be going 
on with the day, and receive ability to build up the waste places. 

16th. In the forepart of the Quarterly Meeting, our beloved 
friend Sarah Hillman, was engaged in acceptable testimony to 
the unfailing goodness of our Heavenly Father towards his chil- 
dren, even when their faith may seem ready to fail. He changes 
not. It was reviving and strengthening to the tribulated fol- 
lowers of Christ. 

Although I felt low, yet after a time of waiting, I was con- 
strained to arise with the query, "When the Son of man cometh, 
shall he find faith on the earth ?" When He cometh into the 
hearts of many w T ho profess his holy religion, will He find that 
living faith, which is the saints' victory over the world, the flesh 
and the devil ? A mere belief in the doctrines of the Xew Tes- 
tament, without obedience to the inwardly revealed will of God, 
will avail but little. There is a faith that overcomes the world, 
and there is a faith that is overcome by the world. Many who 
have a plain outside, are seeking to become rich, and straining 
all their powers to accumulate wealth, that they may be great 
in the world, and receive honor from men ; but these are stumb- 
ling blocks in the way of serious enquirers after the Truth ; and 
they are burthens to the living members of the Church of Christ. 
Even worldly people can often discover where the substance and 



448 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

life are wanting ; and such bring our religious profession into dis- 
repute. They were solemnly called upon to renounce the world, 
and make ready for the period when the cry will be sounded in 
their ear, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet 
him." The gospel was preached to the poor, and the dear young 
people called upon to yield to the visitati ns of Divine love, and 
give up their hearts wholly to the government of their Saviour. 
Ninth month 30th. This has been a day of serious thought- 
fulness upon the state of our Society ; so great change has taken 
place in the number of aged, experienced members, through re- 
moval by death. The unsettlement produced by the promulga- 
tion of unsound principles, has prevented growth in the Truth 
in many, and it seems as if the labor which has been bestowed, 
has done little more than contribute to keep some young plants 
from entirely dwindling and falling away. Comparatively few 
show themselves on the Lord's side, by taking an active part in 
the affairs of the church, under his constraining power ; and this 
makes heavy work for those who are bound to the law of their 
God, and his testimony to the life and spirituality of the gospel 
dispensation. The unity and true fellowship which pertain 
to membership in the body of Christ do not subsist amongst 
Friends as they once did. It seems as if nothing but dying daily, 
and waiting in resignation of soulbefore the Lord, for him to 
arise, and work by his mighty power, can do away the divided 
feelings. We cannot remove them ourselves ; and some must be 
given up to reproach, who may be employed as between the 
living and the dead, for staying the plague. If the love of 
Christ did really abound in us ; that love in which He laid down 
his precious life for the salvation of souls, we should be willing 
to enter into suffering and sympathy one with another; and 
there would be no disposition to listen to, nor to spread reports, 
unfavorable to those who are standing for the faith of the gos- 
pel. That true heavenly love would lead us to pray for each 
other ; to keep close in spirit to the servants of the same Lord ; 
holding up their hands, and encouraging them in the work where- 
unto He has appointed them. Hereby Satan would be disappoint- 
ed in his efforts to destroy the flock ; and Friends being banded 
together in a united and living travail for the prosperity of 
Zion, every member keeping his and her place in the body, the 
Lord would not only bless the provision of Zion, and satisfy her 
poor with bread, but his work would prosper in our hands, and 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 449 

sons and daughters would be brought from the east and the west 
to sit down in the kingdom of the dear Son of God ; and there- 
by the enlargement of our borders would take place ; by which 
the burden-bearers and standard-bearers would be increased. 

The removal of our aged and beloved friend, Margaret Hutch- 
inson, who has long stood as a lively, acceptable minister in our 
meeting, has left a blank at the head of it, which is sensibly 
felt. Her communications were mostly short, uttered with fear 
and trembling ; but raising the life among us. Her appearances 
in supplication were much of the same character ; solemn and 
impressive ; proceeding from the constraining power of Christ, 
and under reverence and awfulness in approaching the Divine 
Majesty of heaven and earth. How fathers and mothers in the 
unchangeable Truth have been taken from us in the last forty 
years! How soon the same merciful and long-suffering Head 
may see fit to supply their places, we cannot foresee. None can 
do it but Himself, by his wonder-working power. But it is our 
duty to wait upon Him in faith, and when qualified therefor, 
put up our prayers that He will restore judges as at the first, 
and counsellors as at the beginning. 

Tenth month 1st. This afternoon I attended the burial of 
Wm. Cooper, from his late residence, near Camden, jN". J. 

After some time of silence, I felt engaged to preach the doc- 
trine of life and salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ ; both 
as he is a Mediator, glorified at the right hand of the Father, 
with the glory which he had with him before the world was, 
and as he is appearing by his Spirit in the hearts of all man- 
kind ; to give every one a sense of his fallen state, while living 
according to the lusts and appetites of the carnal mind ; and 
inciting them to repentance and the forsaking of sin. To those 
who receive Him, he will give power to become the sons of God ; 
their sins being forgiven and washed away, for the sake of that 
most satisfactory sacrifice, which he offered of Himself, without 
the gates Jerusalem. As they follow him faithfully, bearing the 
daily cross, and despising the shame, they will be made parta- 
kers of the Divine nature ; putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and no longer making provision for the lusts of the flesh ; and 
having confessed Him before men, they will be accepted in Him 
the Beloved, and acknowledged by Him in the presence of his 
Father and the holy angels. 

12th. Our Quarterly Meeting having appointed a committee 



450 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

to visit Muncy Monthly Meeting, and its branches, four of them 
left Philadelphia in the cars for Pottsville, near the head of the 
Schuylkill Kiver, about ninety-one miles from the city, which 
we reached about one o'clock ; dined there, and took stage for 
Danville, on the north branch of the Susquehanna, about thirty- 
six miles from this place. The road crosses several mountainous 
ridges, very much through a coal and woody country, from the 
mines in which, thousand of tons of the former, are sent an- 
nually to Philadelphia. We got into Danville about twelve 
o'clock at night, and being fatigued, we soon retired to bed. 

13th. Eose refreshed, and after breakfasting and walking in 
the town, we set out, with carriage and horses, procured here 
for our accommodation, and rode to Greenwood, where we put 
up at our friend D. M.'s. The weather was fine, and the road 
good, and we were kindly received and entertained. 

14th. First-day. Some notice having been spread, a pretty 
large company, composed of the few Friends belonging to the' 
meeting, and their neighbors, assembled ; and although it did 
not feel to me to be a very quickening time, yet through Divine 
kindness, ability was received to preach Christ crucified without 
the gates of Jerusalem, as the way to the Father; the only 
name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be 
saved, now glorified with the Father, and appearing by his light, 
grace or good spirit, in the heart, to destroy the works of Satan 
in man, and to bring in everlasting righteousness in place there- 
of. The meeting was solid, and I hope good impressions were 
made. 

In the afternoon we had a pleasant ride over the Muncy hills, 
the road being very good ; and near dusk got to the residence 
of J. Haines, where we met with a hospitable reception. 1 
had occasional conversation with Jesse Haines, his father, a 
minister, now in his ninety-fourth year; whose faculties ap- 
pear to be strong, and his religious sensibility quick and clear. 

16th. In the morning, while sitting by Jesse Haines, he re- 
marked that he expected we had been sent here by a higher 
power than the Quarterly Meeting, and my desire is, he said, 
that the people may receive the engrafted word. I replied, our 
desire was that the quickening power might be renewedly felt, 
and something known of being raised into newness of life. We 
set out pretty early for Elklands ; some part of the mountain 
road was rough and fatiguing, but we reached the settlement 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 451 

before it was quite dusk, and were made welcome at J. McCar- 
ty's, by several of his children, who reside with him. 

17th. Rode five miles to their Preparative Meeting. The 
weather was wet ; and the stirrings of Divine life were low. 
Feeling the spirit of supplication, petitions were vocally put up 
to the Lord our God, that in mercy and compassion, He would 
regard the conditions of all present. There appeared to be some 
concerned Friends among them, and we had hope, they would 
be more fully awakened to a sense of the necessity of being with- 
drawn from the improper pursuit of the things of time, and 
cherish a more fervent concern for the prosperity of truth, than 
it is to be feared most are now sensible of. 

18th. Before leaving the next morning, we had a religious 
opportunity with the Friends where we stayed. 

In the evening, being at the house of Jesse McCarty, we had 
a meeting with some Friends, in which the advantage and duty 
of waiting upon the Lord, were in some measure set forth ; and 
those present were warned against being swallowed up with the 
pursuit of lawful things ; and encouraged to devote themselves 
to the Lord's service, out of meetings as well as in them. Were 
this their labor and experience, there are some among them who 
would become lights in that place, and helpers in the church of 
Christ. The importance of rightly maintaining the discipline, 
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, was also laid before 
them. 

19th. We rode back to Muncy, and were thankful to be again 
landed among our friends there, in safety. 

Yisited several families of Friends, in two of which, we had 
religious opportunities, laboring to arouse them from their 
lukewarmness, and pressing upon them the necessity of know- 
ing the work of salvation to be accomplished, while the day of 
mercy lasts. 

21st. Attended the first-day meeting. I felt drawn to hold 
forth a word of encouragement, to those who were honestly en- 
deavoring to stand for the Truth. Also to show to others, that 
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are 
passed away, and all things become new, and all things of God. 
That however valuable a belief of the truths of the gospel un- 
doubtedly is, it will not be sufficient, where it is only literal or 
educational. We must know the new creation ; the heart sanc- 
tified, so as to be prepared as a temple for the Lord to dwell in. 



452 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

He will not dwell in a defiled heart. I felt his humbling power, 
softening my heart towards the people, especially the younger 
part of the company ; and under its heavenly influence, the 
spring of the gospel was opened, and the Lord gave the word 
for the different states ; some of which, I believed, were ten- 
derly reached ; and we had cause to return thanks to Him for 
his renewed aid, and Divine presence. In the afternoon, we 
rode to Greenwood, the weather being wet ; it became dark be- 
fore we reached the house of our friends D. M. and wife, by 
whom we were kindly received. 

22d. In the Preparative Meeting, adjourned to this day at 
our request, a qualification was again furnished to preach the 
gospel ; holding forth the doctrine of Christ, to place the king- 
dom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof, above all other 
pursuits in this world. After dining, we called upon several 
families, in most of which we were engaged to labor for their 
encouragement, and faithfulness to their religious duties. True 
zeal is greatly wanting, and the number of Friends is now small. 

23d. Eeturned to Muncy this morning. Their Select Pre- 
parative Meeting being held this afternoon, we attended it. 

24th. We were at Muncy Monthly Meeting this morning. 
"We sat a long time in silence. Though clothed with fear of 
speaking without it was required, I also felt afraid to omit what 
was my duty to do. In this state, the language of our blessed 
Eedeemer, " Whosoever will be great among you, let him be 
your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him 
be your servant," was brought before me ; accompanied with the 
belief, that some had need of being humbled and reduced, to 
prepare them for his government and kingdom, and to be made 
use of by Him in his household. •' And Jesus called a little child 
unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Yerily I say 
unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, 
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." The indispen- 
sable need of self-reduction, and laying aside all reliance on our 
own wisdom and strength, that we may be fitted for member- 
ship in the church of Christ, was held forth among them. " If any 
man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him be- 
come a fool that he may be wise." We cannot enter the sheep- 
fold but by Christ, the door; nor into the narrow way, but 
through the strait gate ; and those who thus enter, will be pre- 
pared, as they keep obedient to Him, to receive gifts, and to 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 453 

know their services appointed to them, by the Great Head of 
the church. I. believe He was with ns and carried home to some, 
the important truths declared among them. 

In the Monthly Meeting, the minute of the Quarterly Meet- 
ing, appointing the committee, was recorded; and it was a satis- 
faction to the committee, to feel that their efforts among them, 
were well received ; and we hoped the bond of christian love 
and fellowship, was a little strengthened. 

After dining, we set out for Danville, which we reached about 
eight o'clock; the road, though part of it mountainous, was 
generally good, and the evening was clear and moonlight. 
Lodged there, and early the following morning, took stage for 
Pottsville; arrived there before two, and before seven o'clock 
in the evening, were landed at our beloved homes, a distance of 
one hundred and fifty miles from Muncy. 

Poverty of spirit, and the absence of all ability to do anything 
in the Lord's work, has been my clothing for days, since our 
return ; all in mercy and great condescensions from Him who 
alone can strip, and humble man into the dust ; that no flesh 
may attempt to glory in his presence. 

30th. I accompanied my beloved wife to Frankford Monthly 
Meeting, before which she laid a concern to visit their families, 
and received the cordial unity of the meeting with her prospect. 
In the first meeting we were both strengthened to declare the 
gospel. That there is no new doctrine to preach ; no new way 
found out to the everlasting kingdom of rest and peace ; but that 
Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and it is through obe- 
dience to Him, under the daily cross, that He brings any to the 
Father. The dear young people were affectionately warned 
against disobedience, and pleaded with to yield to the visita- 
tions of Divine love. Friends were kind and loving, and we 
returned home in peace. 

Eleventh month 3d. Was our Select Quarterly Meeting, from 
which several members were absent. 

5th. We had a very large Quarterly Meeting for worship. 
It was quiet and held under a degree of solemnity. This was 
the case with the Meeting for Discipline also. When the 
Queries were gone through, I felt constrained to encourage 
Friends to keep to all our religious meetings; also to warn some 
against supporting any cause that is adverse to the cause of 
Christ, and which He raised Friends up to support ; or to attempt 
30 






454 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

to support his cause in an unchristian spirit; either of which, 
will create disunity. The time is coming when all will he 
judged, and no party combination can come between such, and 
Him who searcheth the heart, and showeth unto man what his 
thoughts are ; and will reward every man according to his 
deeds. 

11th. Some temporal concerns have pressed upon me pretty 
heavily for several days ; in which the heavens also seemed 
wrapped in darkness, and faith, to enable me to look to and 
trust in the Preserver of men, reduced low. In the forepart of 
our meeting, this morning, it was difficult to withdraw the mind 
from those distracting, worldly things, which brought me under 
distress. Our friend Robert Scotton was opened, in a lively 
manner, upon the states of outside professors, who were striving 
to satisfy themselves with their own doings, while the precious 
seed of the kingdom was oppressed, and choked by the love and 
pursuit of worldly gratifications; and in the midst of which 
they were ignorant of the resurrection of the life and power 
of godliness into dominion. He also ministered to those w T ho 
were suffering with this oppressed seed, and encouraged them 
to faithful endurance, though the Lord might try them long 
with hiding his face from them ; bat as they kept patient under 
his dispensation, He would cause the clouds to disperse, and 
again appear for their comfort. The Lord's humbling hand 
was laid upon me, constraining me to bow before Him, and 
publicly petition that in his unutterable and unmerited mercy, 
He would continue to be round about his children, older and 
younger, and defend them from the jaws of the devourer. Thou 
knowest all the trials of those, who are travailing for the arising 
of the seed of life ; be with them, we humbly pray thee, and 
string their bow in the day of battle ; and with thy ministers ; 
Oh ! be unto them, mouth and wisdom, tongue and utterance. 
Watch over, we beseech thee, the dear children, when out from 
under the eye of their parents and friends, and keep them from 
doing anything that will grieve thy Holy Spirit, or bring dis- 
honor upon themselves and thy precious cause. In this manner 
my spirit was poured out, in brokenness and contrition, before 
the Lord and his people ; which brought solemnity over the 
meeting ; and praise, might, majesty and dominion, were ascribed 
unto the Lord God, and to his dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who only are worthy. Many were tenderly bowed under the 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 455 

merciful extension of Divine regard to us, poor unworthy crea- 
tures. The load upon me was lightened, and I went on my way 
rejoicing. 



CHAPTEE XXIII 

1849—1850. 



Religious Engagements in Philadelphia — Attendance at neighboring Meetings 
— Religious Visit to the Meetings in New Jersey — Services at and near 
Home — Reflections respecting the Mexican War. 

1849, Eleventh month 13th. This day I attended the North 
Meeting, and found a very large collection of Friends and others 
convened on account of a marriage. After some time of silence, 
in which I believe some were brought under exercise that the 
meeting might be held with solemnity, I felt drawn to mention 
that marriage is a Divine ordinance ; and where entered into, in 
the fear of the Lord, and the parties are concerned to do His 
will to the end of their days, it conveys many blessings ; not 
only in things of an earthly nature, in which they are helpmeets 
to one another; but, each following their Lord and Master in 
the work of regeneration, they are made a strength and en- 
couragement to each other in the holy way to everlasting bless- 
edness. Many things were opened to the people ; a considera- 
ble part of whom did not appear to be Friends, and great still- 
ness, and I hope solemnity, prevailed. 

15th. Went to the Arch Street meeting under an apprehen- 
sion of religious duty. I felt constrained to speak of the con- 
tinued preservation from the power of the tempter to lead into 
sin, which is extended, in great mercy, to those who mind the 
Light of Christ, in its convictions and leadings in the heart. 
Those who are the Lord's workmanship, created anew in Christ 
Jesus, He will not desert nor overlook, but they will be kept by 
Him from youth to old age ; and being faithful, will become 
pillars in his house that shall go no more out. To those who 
are slighting the pleadings of his Spirit, and joining the friend- 
ships and maxims of the world, a pressing invitation was given 
to examine their condition in that light which cannot deceive. 



456 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1849. 

For what will all the gold they can accumulate, avail in that day 
when they are summoned to appear before the judgment seat of 
Christ ? It cannot procure Divine approbation, or an entrance 
into heaven. While such are disregarding the repeated calls to 
holiness, and seeking their satisfaction elsewhere, they will be- 
come darkened, and be deceived with false pretensions to peace. 

22d. My dear wife having been engaged about ten days in visit- 
ing the families of Frankford Monthly Meeting, I went to meet her 
at Grermantown Meeting this morning. We were favored with 
the breaking of heavenly bread, through the great condescension 
of the Lord; the alone Succorer and Helper of his people. 

25th. During the forepart of the meeting this morning, the 
power of darkness, through various insinuations of the enemy, so 
strove in me, that there seemed little hope of gaining the ascen- 
dency over it ; but after a season of conflict, the Master conde- 
scended to appear, when Satan fled, and a great change was 
experienced ; and ability was afforded to testify to the blessedness 
of waiting for, and looking to Christ, who is over all the power 
of the enemy. He it is, who will give to the thirsty, panting soul, 
the living water, of which those who drink, will desire no other. 

Twelfth month 10th. Several late occurrences of a distress- 
ing nature, in which I was not concerned, have tended to pro- 
duce depression ; which was increased by a remark that I made 
on a certain occasion under the influence of a little excitement, 
which although the motive was good, gave me no little uneasi- 
ness. This morning the language of the Saviour passed through 
my mind, " Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith ?" I was 
afraid to attempt to banish fear, lest the affliction should not 
have all the effect which it should produce ; but the language 
of the compassionate High Priest gave me comfort and hope, 
that no evil resulted from my remark, and through the day my 
mind has been calm and peaceful. Oh what poor, weak crea- 
tures we are ; and the Lord has his means to make us sensible 
of it. These dispensations humble us, and increase our charity 
for others. 

11th. This morning I felt an unexpected intimation to go to 
the North Meeting. The striking and encouraging character 
given of the Saviour by the prophet, was feelingly brought be- 
fore my mind, representing his gentleness and tenderness. "He 
shall not strive nor cry ; neither shall any man hear His voice 
in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking 



1849.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 457 

flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto vic- 
tory ; and in his name shall the gentiles trust ?" Dear E. Pit- 
field knelt, early in the meeting, in humble, tender supplication ; 
which brought a good savor over the meeting. After some time, 
it seemed proper for me to revive the above passage, and to set 
forth a little the great compassion of Him, who knows our in- 
firmities better than we know them ourselves. The bruised 
heart, which feels like a reed for strength, He will not break ; 
but in his time will bind it up ; and though there may seem to 
be little of Divine life in the soul, comparable to fire, no more 
than sufficient to create a smoke, yet He will not quench it, 
where there is a secret prayer and desire, to be made what He 
would have us to be. He will regard the cries of his tribulated 
seed ; and where any have transgressed his Divine law, and are 
brought to feel their condition, if they abide under his judg- 
ments, He will open the prison to them that are bound, and grant 
deliverance to the afflicted soul. Friends were exhorted not to 
cast away their shield, as though they had never quenched with 
it, the fiery darts of the wicked; for one of the devices of the 
enemy, is to tempt us to despair of the Lord's mercy, and of 
preservation to the end. 

23d. Our Meeting for Sufferings was held on the 21st; in 
which there was a comfortable feeling of fellowship amongst 
those who are travailing together for the faith of the gospel. 
The business was transacted in much harmony, and I hoped the 
unity of the Spirit was felt. ]May it increase and bind us to- 
gether, that we may be of one heart and of one mind. This 
afternoon in our meeting there was a comfortable hope, that the 
Lord would not desert us ; but if we kept steadfastly upon the 
watch, the Spirit of prayer would be granted, and in his time 
He would cause his light and life to break forth amongst us ; 
and seeking ones, beholding our stability in Christ, would be- 
come united to us, as the soul of Jonathan was knit to David's. 
I had a short testimony to the Lord's power, and to the neces- 
sity of those who are seeking a people who live in the Truth, 
to look within and not without them ; that they may have the 
spiritual eye anointed, and be made instrumental themselves in 
exalting the kingdom of the Saviour. 

26th. My wife and myself went out to Springfield on a social 
visit to our brothers and sisters. Attended their week-day 
meeting. I was reminded of the language, "The ways of Zion 



458 JOURNAL OF WILLjlAM EVANS. [1850. 

mourn, so few come to her solemn feasts," and mentioned it in 
the men's Preparative Meeting ; expressing the hope, that the 
overseers and other Friends would look into the state of the 
members, whether the neglect of their religious meetings was 
not growing upon some, and endeavor to stir them up to greater 
diligence in performing this solemn and profitable duty. 

30th. This morning, before setting out to their first-day 
meeting, as we did not expect to return, my dear sister Hannah 
Ehoads informed us that, for several years, she had been im- 
pressed with the belief it would, at some period, be required of 
her, to pay a religious visit to Friends in some parts of Great 
Britain and Ireland; and that for the last eight months, it had 
rested upon her with such weight, day and night, she believed 
it would be right to lay it before their Monthly Meeting for its 
judgment. We encouraged her to do so, not doubting it was a 
right concern ; and that, if set at liberty to prosecute it, He who 
put her forth, would strengthen and qualify for the work He 
engaged her in. 

31st. Was held Chester Monthly Meeting, which passed 
a memorial of our late beloved friend Sarah Emlen. The con- 
cern of my sister H. Ehoads, brought a weight over the meet- 
ing, and was seriously and feelingly considered and spoken to ; 
and the calm and serene feelings which overspread the minds 
of Friends, appeared to me to be evidence that the Master 
owned it by the church. After the expression of unity, a com- 
mittee was separated to prepare a certificate to be ready for 
next month. 

1850, First month 23d. Yesterday I attended the Northern Dis- 
trict Monthly Meeting. Several Friends spoke in the first meet- 
ing. In the second, I felt drawn to encourage Friends to stand 
firm in the support of our christian testimonies, and to come into 
the practical experience of what is contained in the evangelical 
prediction : " In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown 
of glory and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his peo- 
ple ; and for a spirit of judgment to Him that sitteth in judg- 
ment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate." 
In Christ, who is the Head of the church, are hid all the trea- 
sures of wisdom and knowledge ; He knoweth every child in his 
family, and as we humbly wait upon Him, He will, by the 
touches of his finger, quicken us for service, and give strength 
and wisdom to perform it. 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 459 

We had the company of several Friends at our Monthly 
Meeting to-day, whose services were acceptable. I thought 
we had good evidence that the meeting was gathered and held 
under the authority of Truth, and the business transacted in the 
fear of the Lord. The tendering power of the Holy Spirit was 
felt, renewing our faith a little, and leading us to trust that it 
might be regarded as a token of Divine kindness, and that the 
blessed Head had not forsaken us. 

Second month. Our Quarterly Meeting, held on the 4th, was 
one of the largest I have seen in that house, or anywhere else, 
and was covered with much solemnity ; a qualification being re- 
ceived to search into some of the departures from our testimo- 
nies, and to stand firmly for their importance and right support. 

15th. "Went down to Woodbury, on the 13th, and attended 
the Select Quarterly Meeting. Our aged, exemplary and ex- 
perienced friend Hinchman Haines, was also there, and was 
engaged in testimony, to the tendering and comfort of my 
spirit. He recited part of the conversation between our Lord 
and Philip, when the latter said, " Show us the Father and 
it sufficeth us." Christ replied, "Have I been so long time 
with you, and hast thou not known me, Philip ?" H. H. went 
on to speak of his own infirmities, and the concern he often felt, 
to enquire whether he was in the right path, under Avhich faith 
was proved when light was withheld ; but he believed that 
though the Lord hid his face from us, and He might not see fit 
to appear as soon as we desired, yet as we maintained the 
watch and the struggle, He would manifest Himself, to our con- 
solation. This, he said, was his belief; and his frequent desire 
was to know whether he was in the right path, though he was 
a poor creature. 

It was a comfort to hear doctrine so applicable to my condi- 
tion, and the frequent exercise of my mind, from an old disciple, 
now more that four score years of age. I hoped it was an evi- 
dence the Lord had turned my feet to this place, to be thus min- 
istered unto. I was broken clown into tears under it, in such 
manner, as is not very common for me, and I desired to return 
thanks to the Lord for his mercy. 

Next day we were at the meeting for business. Though un- 
worthy, it appeared to be my duty to bend the knee in vocal 
supplication to the Father of mercies, that He who knew all 
our weaknesses and infirmities, would look down upon us in 



460 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

tender compassion, and renew that blessed faith which He gave 
us in the beginning of our heavenly journey ; and by his Spirit 
and power, strengthen us to keep the watch and maintain the 
holy warfare ; so that nothing might be permitted to cause us 
to slide from the true foundation, and thereby bring any reproach 
upon the profession we have made before many witnesses. Also 
that He would lay his hand upon the children, and draw them 
to take the yoke of his well-beloved Son upon them, and follow 
Him in the way of his leading. That thus a multitude might 
be brought to support the doctrines and testimonies which He 
gave our forefathers to bear before the world; be made instru- 
mental in spreading his kingdom ; and ascribe thanksgiving 
and praise, might, majesty and dominion, to Him, the Lord God 
and the Lamb ; to whom alone it belongs, now and forever- 
more. This afforded me some relief, and a little hope, that 
Divine regard and mercy were continued. 

20th. Having for some time felt a concern to pay a religious 
visit to the meetings of Friends n* New Jersey, I spread the 
subject before the Monthly Meeting which was held this day ; 
a minute was granted me expressive of its unity, and encourag- 
ing me to pursue the prospect as Truth may direct. 

On first-day, the 24th, I came over to my friend S. N.'s, who 
had agreed to take me to some of the meetings, and attended that 
at Haddonfield. After a season of silent waiting, the expres- 
sions of the apostle came before me, "As it is appointed unto 
men once to die, but after this the judgment : so Christ was 
once offered to bear the sins of many ; and unto them that look 
for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto sal- 
vation." The way opened to preach Christ crucified, without 
the gates of Jerusalem, as the propitiatory sacrifice for the sins 
of all mankind ; as our glorified Mediator and Intercessor, at the 
right hand of the Father ; and in his spiritual appearance in the 
heart, as the refiner's fire, and as a fuller with soap, to purify 
the soul and prepare it for Him, the Lord of life and glory, to 
dwell in, by his Spirit ; and having destroyed the works of the 
devil there, He puts an end to sin in the sanctified believer, and 
in the room thereof, brings in everlasting righteousness. 

25th. We left pretty early for Burlington, and put up with 
our kind friend Margaret Smith. I left home under feelings of 
depression, not knowing how I should get along with my pro- 
posed visit; but I kept it quietly to myself, looking to and 



I860.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 461 

relying upon the Lord alone for help and preservation. The 
Select Quarterly Meeting was passed by me in silence. I went 
to the meeting next morning in a low frame of mind. After a 
season of inward retirement before the Lord, my mind became 
impressed with the importance of keeping to the original ground 
of our profession, and of all vital religion ; a reliance on the 
immediate teaching of Christ Jesus in the heart, by his Spirit. 
A living gospel ministry has often been a great blessing ; but 
the design of it is to bring people to Him, who alone can open 
to them their conditions, and give dominion over sin, and pre- 
pare for the reception of those gifts which are to be occupied in 
his church. Many eminent men and women [of this place.] have 
been gathered to their everlasting reward, and the gifts which 
they occupied here, have been withdrawn from the militant 
church. Only as we are prepared by the cleansing power of Di- 
vine grace, which made them what they were, will the present 
members of the Society be brought into a situation to be intrusted 
with spiritual gifts. Under a view of the great falling away from 
the travail of soul, and the lively zeal which have heretofore 
characterized faithful servants, and qualified them to stand for 
the good cause, the Lord enabled me to lay open the state of the 
church, and to labor with those present, for a restoration of 
primitive zeal for the support of the great cause, that He raised 
up our Society to uphold, and to spread in the earth. I was 
humbly thankful for the Divine aid and authority vouchsafed ; 
and that peace and satisfaction clothed my spirit in the work. 
The glory belongs to the Lord alone, who condescended to our 
low, unworthy states. In the afternoon, after enjoying the com- 
pany of several dear friends, we left Burlington, with a Friend, 
who offered to pilot us to Barnegat, and rode^six or seven miles 
to our lodging-place. 

27th. Our journey to this village was through a piney wil- 
derness ; some of it mere barrens, and few dwellings on the 
road; the distance about forty miles. We got to J. C.'s, in the 
afternoon ; and notice was spread that evening and next morn- 
ing, of a meeting to be held there. In meeting with this fami- 
ly, I felt a nearness and desire for their best welfare ; situated 
as they are, with little opportunity for intercourse with Friends, 
but few of whom visit them from a religious concern. 

28th. Went to a small school-house, where the Friends hold 
their meetings for worship ; but few people came until we had 



462 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

been there half an hour ; when the house was filled by the in- 
habitants, who were returning from the burial of a young man 
who had died after a short illness. It was some time before the 
company became settled, and then they sat in a proper manner. 
The word of life was preached to them, and some things open- 
ed, concerning the temptations to which man is exposed, and 
the means of salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; and the 
opportunity closed with supplication for the people and the lit- 
tle remnant of Friends in this place. 

"We had a short, tendering opportunity with J. C.'s family ; 
endeavoring to strengthen them to greater dedication ; and 
parting affectionately, rode to Tuckerton, twelve miles. 

Third month 1st. During the night, it rained hard, and the 
wind was very high in the morning, but clearing off, a pretty 
large collection of persons, and some Friends, came together. 
It seemed as if nearly all were carried away by a strong cur- 
rent, into the spirit and fashions of the world ; so that there ap- 
peared little hope that a succession will come up among Friends. 
The sensation was affecting, in beholding plain men and wo- 
men fallen into such indifference to the cause of Truth, and the 
preservation of their children in plainness, conformably with 
our religious testimony ; and some marrying with those who 
are not of us. I endeavored to discharge myself faithfully on 
the pernicious effects of the love and pursuit of wealth; absorb- 
ing the time and talents bestowed on us for nobler purposes, and 
giving indulgence to the carnal propensities of old and young. 
The Friends here appeared to suffer loss, from the want of the 
beneficial influences of religious society, from which they are 
much separated ; and probably from the absence of faithful 
laborers and watchmen, who lived formerly in these parts, or 
travelled among them in the love and service of the gospel. 
This class is greatly diminished, and the love of ease and the 
comforts of home, may be insidiously binding to their temporal 
enjoyments, the small number left; and hindering them from 
that devotion and zeal in the Lord's cause, which our predeces- 
sors felt, and manifested by their fervent, painful labors. "We 
dined with an elder, few of whose children looked like Friends, 
and lodged at the house of another member, whose children had 
no appearance of Friends. 

2d. We rode round Little Egg Harbor Eiver, to a tavern, 
nineteen miles ; fed our horses, and took some dinner. Then 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 463 

obtaining directions respecting the road, S. N". and I set off, 
and got to J. L.'s at Leed's Point, between three and four 
o'clock, where we were kindly received and entertained. The 
number of members being few, and the meeting-house small, 
and not in very good repair, often they are much discouraged 
from attempting to hold a meeting for worship ; but latterly, 
through the visits of a committee of the Quarterly Meeting, 
the number assembling is larger than it was a few years ago. 

3d. The morning was rainy and discouraging; but notice 
having been spread of our coming, the men's side of the meet- 
ing-house was pretty well filled; the number of women about 
twelve. The Lord furnished ability to preach the gospel among 
them; and humble prayer and thanksgiving were offered to 
Him, for his goodness and mercy to us. In the afternoon, it 
snowed and rained, with a high wind, the storm coming from 
the north-east ; but in the night it cleared up cold, and froze 
pretty hard before morning. We passed the remainder of the 
day with our friends, and had a little religious opportunity 
with them before retiring to our chamber. 

4th. Eose pretty early, and after breakfasting, we set out 
westward, and rode over a rough road, frozen hard in some 
places, about eighteen miles, to a tavern near Pleasant Mills. 
Here we obtained directions respecting the way, which lies 
much through a piney country, not thickly settled, along the 
east side of the west branch of Egg Harbor Eiver, to Atsion 
Furnace, and thence through Medford to J. E. E.'s ; the whole 
distance from the Point being about forty-three miles. The 
latter part of the road being much cut up with heavy wagons, 
made rough travelling, so that when I alighted I could hardly 
stand. Our Friend sent over to B. E.'s, at Easton, requesting 
him to spread notice for a meeting among them next day. I 
felt satisfied and comfortable, after the accomplishment of the 
visit to the shore meetings, and hoped to be preserved watch- 
ful and inward to the Master, through the remainder of the 
work. 

5th. A pretty full meeting, but a laborious time amongst 
them, on the subject of the love of the world. It is much more 
desirable to be commissioned to speak peace to the faithful, 
tribulated disciples, than to have to warn the worldly-minded 
of their inordinate attachment to the things of time, and the 
pernicious influence it has, in destroying the love for heavenl} 



464 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1850. 



things, and, consequently, the work of the soul's salvation. 
Dined with B. R., and in the afternoon, visited a sick Friend. 
Went to D. W.'s, at Rancocas, and put up with them. 

6th. Attended their week-day meeting, which was pretty 
large, although the weather was wet. Soon after sitting down 
with them, some expressions of the evangelical prophet, which 
prefigure the great change wrought in the temper, and appetites 
of the natural man, as he comes under the renovating power of 
Divine Grace, came before me, together with some of the expres- 
sions of James Naylor, when near the close of his life. " There 
is a spirit that I feel, which delights to do no evil, nor to re- 
venge any wrong ; but delights to endure all things, in hope to 
enjoy its own in the end. In G-od alone it can rejoice, though 
none else regard it. It never rejoiceth but through suffering, 
for with the world's joys it is murdered. It takes its kingdom 
by entreaty, and not with contention, and keeps it by lowliness 
of mind." The prophet says, " The wolf shall dwell with the 
lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, 
and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child 
shall lead them." Again, "Every valley shall be exalted, and 
every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall 
be made straight, and the rough places plain." I felt raised up in 
the Lord's power, to show that the humbling operation of his 
Spirit, as submitted to, brings down the lofty spirit and the 
strong passions, and softens the rough nature of man, so that he 
is brought into the Lamb-like nature ; and a little child, regen- 
erated by the same grace, shall lead him. Here there is a har- 
monious walking together in the heavenly fellowship of th i 
gospel; and the happiness of families, and of religious society, is 
truly promoted, where this blessed change is witnessed. Help 
was mercifully granted through the fresh openings of the Holy 
Spirit, to preach the gospel in its authority ; to my own relief, 
and I hope, to the comfort, and the conviction of some, of the 
truth of what was delivered. 

Dined at A. W.'s, and made a short visit to Granville Wool- 
man, a minister, and nephew of that humble, tribulated follower 
of Christ, John Woolman. Took tea with H. W. Before leav- 
ing their house, I felt constrained to hold up to them the re- 
sponsibility of bringing up children ; the necessity of laying a 
restraining hand upon them, and of setting them such an ex- 
ample, that nothing may appear in their own conduct unsuitable 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 465 

for the children to copy after. Returned to D. "W.'s after dark, 
the weather still wet. 

7th. In the morning, when about time to set off for Mount 
Holly, we sat down with our friends, and I had a word of con- 
solation and peace to the dear aged grandfather, and of caution 
and entreaty to the parents and daughter, to come more and 
more out of the spirit and pursuit of the world, and to devote 
themselves to the love and service of their Heaventy Father. It 
was like a gentle shower, softening our hearts before the Lord, 
and causing tears to drop from all eyes. My companion and I 
left them, with feelings of reciprocal regard and affection. The 
company convened at the meeting-house was small, being chiefly 
members ; but the preaching of the gospel, adapted to their 
states, was no less important, than in great congregations, and 
I hope heavenly help was granted to divide the word ; so that 
I was favored to relieve myself in love, amongst them, without 
daubing with untempered mortar, and came away in peace ; 
thankful to the Master for his condescending goodness. B. E. 
and his wife, kindly met us at Mount Holly, with whom we re^ 
turned to their house and dined. Set out for the residence of 
our beloved, aged friend Hinchman Haines, at Evesham; with 
whom I wished to spend some time, as it might not be long that 
such an opportunity would be afforded. He was free and open 
in conversation, chiefly upon the welfare of the Society, which 
occupies much of his thought and concern. 

8th. Went to Evesham Monthly Meeting ; in which I was 
again favored, through the unmerited condescension of the 
Shepherd of Israel, to such a poor, weak creature, to hold 
forth the spiritual nature, and inward efficacy of the gospel. 
" The king's daughter is all glorious within ; her clothing is of 
wrought gold." This is figurative of the robes of righteousness, 
with which the members of the body and church of Christ are 
clothed by Him, as He is known to cleanse the heart, and divest 
us of the filthy garments of sin. There was a word of encour- 
agement to those who had long known this work, and who, 
through the Lord's mercy, were built upon the Rock, and were 
as pillars; or if they persevered in well-doing, would be made 
pillars, that should go no more out of his house. I had cause, 
gratefully to return thanks for the free supply of things, new 
and old, which the Master granted me this day. The business 



466 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

of the Monthly Meeting was conducted in a pretty satisfactory 
manner. 

9th. "Was held the Monthly Meeting at Medford, which was 
large, being mostly composed of exemplary Friends ; among 
whom I labored in gospel love to awaken some, who have lost 
ground, through unfaithfulness, and suffering their minds to be 
absorbed by the pursuit of worldly things ; endeavoring to per- 
suade them to turn away from that which hinders a growth in 
the Truth, and to yield to the fresh visitations of Divine Grace, 
that they may be restored to that tenderness of spirit, and fer- 
vent desire after holiness, which they once knew. Encourage- 
ment was also held out to the humble followers of Christ, to 
keep to Him, and under a daily travail for themselves, and the 
flock around them. The sitting closed with supplication for 
those classes, and for the visited children. We went to a Friend's 
house to dine, where we met with our dear friend Lydia Stokes, 
a pillar, and an exercised member in the church. 

In the evening we rode to Joseph Evans', of Cropwell, where 
we lodged. They entertained us very pleasantly, being lovers 
of the truth, and the friends of truth. 

10th. The morning was fine, and it being first-day, a pretty 
large company convened at Cropwell ; to whom the doctrine of 
the law written in the heart, according to the new covenant, 
promised through Jeremiah, was opened. When Christ came, 
He said, " My sheep hear my voice." After his ascension, one 
of his apostles declared, "Ye have an unction from the Holy 
One, and ye know all things :" and, " Ye need not that any man 
teach you ; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, 
and is truth and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye 
shall abide in Him." These show the nature of the gospel re- 
ligion ; and it is only by yielding to the law made known in 
the inward parts, by this Divine Teacher, that we can become 
the sheep of Christ, and members of his church. There seemed 
to be those present, who had need to be taught the first princi- 
ples of the gospel, and to be brought to the beginning point of 
all saving knowledge. It was not a very animating season to 
me. 

We dined at J. H.'s, where we had the company of several 
Friends; drawn together, in part, from sympathy with him and 
his wife, who had lately lost their only daughter, whose end was 
precious. Before leaving them, we had a religious opportunity, 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANb. 467 

in which resignation to the will of Providence, and an earnest 
engagement to come up in our respective allotments, to the 
Lord's honor, were affectionately pressed upon all present. Bode 
to the home of my companion, and was kindly received by his 
dear wife. 

11th. Attended Haddonfield Monthly Meeting in silence, 
during the first sitting. There is need of more religious depth 
and feeling in many, to qualify them for service in the church. 
There appear to be few, comparatively, who live in that daily 
exercise, and walk in the Spirit, which would fit them to judge 
a right judgment. The present state of the Society, calls for a 
more fervent travail, on the part of those who are sensible of it, 
and a more united application to the Great Head of the church, 
for wisdom and strength to labor for a reformation among us. 
But tke benumbing effect of the love of this world on some, 
seems to render such reformation, in their cases, almost hopeless. 
I was veiy low in spirit throughout the day ; no doubt needful 
to renew a fresh sense of the nothingness of man, however he 
may have been divinely favored. In the afternoon, sat with the 
few select members in their Preparative Meeting, which was 
held at the home of Elizabeth Eedman, in consequence of her 
inability to leave the house. It was rather a comforting oppor- 
tunity, and grateful to her, as she had been but little at meeting, 
since the last Quarter. 

12th. Went to Moorestown, and attended Chester Monthly 
Meeting there. The humbling feelings I had passed through, 
prepared me for the reception of some openings into the states 
of those present ; and the Lord gave matter, and understanding, 
and authority, to hand it to them, in meekness and true charity; 
dividing the word to different conditions. It was his own work, 
and I was thankful for his condescending goodness and mercy 
to me, a poor creature ; and to others also, who were present. 
Several expressed their unity and satisfaction when my minute 
was read. 

13th. "Was the Select Quarterly Meeting, which was less in 
number than usual. 

14th. In the first meeting to day, it opened before me, that 
to be a watchman on the walls of Zion, had a double meaning. 
First, to have our loins girded and light burning, watching over 
ourselves ; waiting for the coming of our Lord to show us his 
will, and to give strength to perform it. Secondly, being thus 



468 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

disciplined in the school of Christ, so as to distinguish his voice 
from that of the stranger, we are prepared to watch over others, 
and to receive the command to warn the nock of surrounding 
dangers. Many things, in reference to a growth in Divine Grace, 
were handed to the people ; and backsliders were persuaded to 
forsake their evil ways, and turn to the Lord; and old and 
young were encouraged to keep to the guidance of the Captain 
of salvation. If obedience is yielded to his blessed will, by the 
younger members of our Society, we may safely hope that gifts 
will be dispensed to them ; that the waste places will be restor- 
ed, and the revival of that Divine life and power, experienced 
amongst us, which has been the strength, the dignity and au- 
thority of the living members, and which rendered the Society 
a bright example of the christian virtues to other professors. 

There appeared to be a warm feeling of unity and kindness 
amongst Friends. After dining at S. N.'s, I returned to my own 
habitation, being satisfied with the visit so far as accomplished. 

15th. My object in coming to the city at this time, was to 
attend the Meeting for Sufferings, which convened this day. 
An attempt having been made, in the Pennsylvania Legislature, 
to repeal several important sections of the law of 1847, enacted 
to prevent kidnapping, &c, the subject was taken under deliber- 
ation by the meeting, and referred to a committee, to ascertain 
what was likely to be done by the legislature ; and if they be- 
lieved it necessary, to prepare a remonstrance against the pro- 
posed repeal. 

Memorials for our dear friends, Margaret Hutchinson and 
Sarah Emlen, were received, and placed under the inspection of 
a committee. The reading of them brought comfortable feelings 
over the meeting, and it was a satisfactory sitting. 

17th. At our own meeting on first-day, I felt bound to testify 
to the continued presence of the Saviour with his disciples, down 
to this day, as they kept their faith in Him ; even when their 
eyes might be withholden from discovering his presence ; as 
those of his disciples formerly were, at times, when He was with 
them in the prepared body. After He has proved us, He will 
show Himself to the longing soul, and satisfy it with his good- 
ness, and clothe with fresh strength to do his will in all things. 

22d. The Meeting for Sufferings was again convened, to con- 
sider a draft of a memorial to the State Legislature against the 
proposal to rescind parts of the law to prevent kidnapping. It 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 469 

was twice read, and after a few alterations was adopted, and the 
committee directed to present it to both branches ; also to fur- 
nish every member of the Legislature with a printed copy. 

24th. Being first-day, I went to Newtown meeting, notice 
having been spread of my intention of being there. It was an 
exercising meeting to me ; the life of religion being but little in 
dominion in the hearts of many who were there. But after a 
time of silent waiting, I endeavored to discharge myself, in 
warning them of the fearful consequences of continued rebellion 
against the visitations of the Holy Spirit, which, if persisted in 
to the end, must separate the soul from the Divine harmony, to 
mingle with the lost and fallen spirits, in a state of endless 
misery. The joys of an inheritance among the saints in lights 
were also pointed to, as the blessed reward of the righteous ; as 
well as the sweet, sustaining peace, from obedience to Christ, in 
our passage through life. 

25th. Went to my beloved friend's G. and M. Mickle, arid 
next day attended Woodbury Monthly Meeting, which was small. 
Renewed ability was furnished to labor, in the love and author- 
ity of the gospel, to draw Friends to greater faithfulness to 
Christ. In the afternoon rode down to Salem with Geo. Mickle, 
where we were kindly received by our worthy friend Martha 
Wistar, and next day were at the Monthly Meeting ; which is 
also a small company. After dinner, the weather being wintry, 
George and I rode to Greenwich, and put up with my cousins, 
George and Naomi Bacon. 

28th. Went to their Monthly Meeting ; which was rather 
exercising to me, yet not without comfort. There are rightly 
concerned Friends belonging to it, who desire the prosperity of 
truth. Called afterward at our aged and afflicted friend's John 
Sheppard, now confined by a complication of diseases. Sit- 
ting in his chamber, the way opened to hold forth the doctrine, 
of becoming as a little child, preparatory to experiencing the 
kingdom of heaven to be set up in the heart, and an entrance 
into it administered in the world to come. When we are hum- 
bled into a sense of our nothingness, and receive the gift of 
repentance, though our past transgressions may, at times, seem 
to come before us as a cloud, or even as a thick cloud, yet having 
loved the Lord and his cause, we have ground to hope that he 
will regard us in our low, humble condition, and forgive them, 
for his name and his dear Son's sake. It was a contriting op- 
31 



470 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1850. 



portunity to nearly all present. The snow made travelling 
slavish for the horse, so that we were about three hours going 
twelve miles, to Alloways Town, where we put up with a Friend 
for the night. 

29th. Accompanied by our friends, we rode to "Woodstown, 
and attended a meeting appointed to be held in a Friend's house. 
The company was small, the former members having very gen- 
erally gone with the separatists. I had much to communicate, 
on the fruits of obedience to Divine grace, and on some of the 
doctrines of the gospel ; warning them against the spirit of in- 
fidelity, that is stalking abroad in the country. The meeting 
closed with prayer for our preservation from the temptations that 
surround us. Dined with S. L. and several other Friends, and 
before we left, I endeavored to encourage them to keep to their 
religous meetings, though small, both for their own benefit, and 
that of the young people. Set off for Woodbury, and called to 
see our aged friend Eebecca Hubbs ; confined from the effects 
of paralysis. She is an extraordinary instance of the power of 
Divine grace, in preparing one of little knowledge, who has been 
faithful to its teachings, for usefulness in the church ; and having 
received a gift in the ministry, enabling her at times to exercise 
it in an extraordinary manner. Though her voice was affected 
by disease, she spoke of the many favors that had been con- 
ferred upon her ; for which she said she was afraid she had not 
been sufficiently thankful. I had a little encouragement for her ; 
expressing the belief that the covenant of life, and of peace, would 
be with the Lord's faithful children, which He would give them, 
for the fear wherewith they feared Him, and were afraid before 
his name. And though she might pass through much weakness 
and stripping, I trusted that He, who had been with and sup- 
ported her in days past, would mercifully grant the evidence, 
before the end came, that a mansion was prepared for her. She 
was comforted by our visit. W e went on our way pleasantly, 
the road from Swedesborough being good, and got to G. Mickle's 
towards evening, which is an agreeable tarrying place. Next 
morning I went in the stage to Bed Bank, and taking the steam- 
boat, reached home well and peaceful. 

Fourth month. As our Yearly Meeting draws on, my mind 
has been clothed with sadness; leading me to anticipate suffering 
and danger, unless the Master, by his invisible power, interpose 
to defeat the insidious workings of the unwearied enemy, who 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 471 

is watching to destroy our Society. Our refuge is in the mercy 
and goodness of the Lord Almighty ; who only can preserve his 
church, and exalt his own Name and power, enabling his people 
to praise Him for his wonderful works to the children of men. 

12th. "Was held our Meeting for Sufferings, which was sat- 
isfactory, largely attended by the members, and some Friends 
from other Yearly Meetings. 

13th. The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was small, 
showing the gradual diminution of this class among us. My 
sister, Hannah Bhoads, was liberated for the purpose of visiting 
Friends, in some parts of Great Britain and Ireland, with which 
a good deal of unity was expressed. I was low, mourning over 
the desolated state of the Society, and the thinness of our ranks; 
as well as the want of that degree of life and spiritual strength, 
which have characterized faithful, experienced Friends in for- 
mer days. 

15th. Our Yearly Meeting was opened to day, and was very 
large. 

Fifth month 23d. Crossed the river and went to Haddonfield, 
and attended their week-day meeting, which was small. It 
came before me pretty soon, that there were many up and down, 
who, though they made little noise in the religious world, are 
sincere seekers of the truth ; sitting often at the feet of Jesus, 
and craving for themselves heavenly bread and preservation, 
from Him. I believed that His gracious eye regarded these in 
their solitary dwellings, and He answered their sincere petitions ; 
and that of this description, there were those present, whose 
encouragement and strength in the way of their duty, I desired. 
Although the support of their religious meetings may often be 
felt to be laborious, and they are sometimes disappointed in receiv- 
ing the spiritual comfort they desire, yet as they keep faithful, 
the Lord would send them help from his sanctuary. I believe 
the poor in spirit were a little cheered by the unexpected call of 
a visitor, and they were hearty in their salutations at the close. 
Dined with S. N., and made agreement with him to accompany 
me to the remaining meetings in New Jersey. 

27th. Went to S. N.'s, and next morning we rode to Bur- 
lington, and attended the Quarterly Meeting, which I sat through 
in silence. There being but little business in the second meet- 
ing, it closed with a short sitting. In the afternoon we rode to 
John Bishop's and lodged. 



472 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

29th. Notice having been given at the Quarterly Meeting, 
we had a meeting at Mansfield ; in which ability was given to 
preach the gospel, and to invite the people to believe in the 
Lord Jesus Christ, not only as He is oar glorified Eedeemer 
and Intercessor, at the right hand of the Father, but also as He 
appears in the heart, by his Spirit; to purge away sin by the ad- 
ministration of judgment, and his refining fire, so as to prepare 
man to hold communion with his Maker, and to follow Him in 
all his requirings. The meekness and lowliness of Christ, and the 
gentleness with which He deals with those who are brought to 
obey Him, and our duty to follow his example, were a little set 
forth. After dining, we rode to Crosswicks, and put up with J. 
M. and wife. 

30th. Attended their usual mid-week meeting; at which 
some not members were present. I was led to open the spiritual, 
practical nature of the religion of the Lord Jesus; which is not 
designed to amuse the head, but to change the heart ; and that 
some had need of experiencing this effect upon them, rather 
than indulge in speculation in relation to religion, while they 
keep aloof from its heart-changing power. There were serious 
persons present, to whom I hoped the opportunity would be 
strengthening, as well as to those, upon whom chiefly rested the 
weight of keeping up a meeting there. On our way to Trenton, 
we called on a Friend who had recently lost his wife. The cir- 
cumstance reminded me of the similar trial through which I 
passed, and which preceded, a short time, my first appearance in 
the ministry. We had a tendering opportunity just before leav- 
ing; in which the great importance of making a right use of 
the talent3 the Great Creator has endowed us with, for his glory, 
the good of our own souls and of his people, was, in love and 
sympathy, spread before them ; particularly directed to the be- 
reaved husband. They appeared satisfied with the little oppor- 
tunity, and we parted in mutual affection. We went on our 
way peacefully, and got to our friend Ann Kaighn's at Trenton 
before dusk, and were kindly received. 

31st. Had an appointed meeting at Trenton this morning, 
with the members and a few others ; in which, under feelings 
of tenderness and sympathy towards the little company, who 
are endeavoring to maintain the standard of truth and righteous- 
ness in this city, T was led to hold up the necessity of keeping 
the watch against the snares of an insidious enemy; and to 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 473 

warn them of the liability of losing a good condition, without 
it. I was also bowed in supplication for them, that through all 
the trials of this uncertain life, they might know the Divine 
arm to be underneath, and their faith renewed from season to 
season, and in the end, through the Lord's preserving power 
and goodness, we might be gathered into a mansion of rest, 
where we may unite with the sanctified of all generations, in 
ascribing thanksgiving and praise to the Lord God and the 
Lamb, world without end; who are forever worthy. It was a 
solemn opportunity, and I hope profitable. 

After dining, we went in company with some Friends to Stony 
brook, and had a meeting at four o'clock, with Friends and others 
who usually meet there. The number of the former was very 
small, few bearing the appearance of Friends. The condition of 
some, who had once known the Day-Spring from on high, and 
been brought into the love of Christ, but were now in a different 
state, was spoken to. The impossibility of anything that man 
could invent and substitute, giving life to the soul, and bringing 
it to the saving knowledge of God and of his son Jesus Christ, 
not even the Scriptures, but Christ himself, by the immediate 
operation and revelation of his own Spirit, were clearly declared 
unto them. The doctrine of the Saviour, that to enter the king- 
dom of heaven, we must become as a little child; in which state 
we are prepared to be taught of Him, and in which true greatness 
consists, was enforced. It was not a season of much rejoicing, 
though I trust some were brought under religious feeling; and 
I left them with a quiet mind. The next morning we set out 
for Eahway, which we reached early in the afternoon, and took 
up our lodgings at Joseph D. Shotwell's. 

Sixth month 2d. Attended their first-day meeting ; in which 
there was a qualification vouchsafed, to search Jerusalem as with 
candles, and to warn some of the danger they were exposed to, 
through an eager pursuit of the world, and being drawn into an 
alliance with its fashions and customs; as well as from the in- 
fluence of other spirits, who are at enmity with the cross of 
Christ, while professing a respect for religion. They were re- 
minded, that while we might be courteous, as a Christian is 
bound to be, that love without obedience is of little more worth 
than faith without works. Our Lord declared, " If a man love 
me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and 
we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." It is 



474 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

only by obedience to the grace of Christ Jesus, that the heart 
can be changed and sanctified, and thus prepared for the Lord, 
to dwell in, by his Spirit. The matter being furnished, flowed 
freely, and many truths of the everlasting gospel were clearly 
opened. The spirit of supplication being felt, prayer was put 
up. The minds of some were tenderly wrought upon ; but a few 
of the worldly young men, though respectful, appeared to cast 
off or lightly esteem the obligations of religion, and the simpli- 
city of its character and requirings. 

We returned to J. D. Shotwell's, and before leaving, several 
Friends being there, a little opportunity presented, to remind 
some, of the responsibility of the stations they occujned. To 
them the young people looked for examples, and the need there 
is, to draw them to Christ, by their conduct and spirits, that 
they too may learn of Him. 

3d. Word having been sent for a meeting at Plainfield, on 
second-day afternoon, H. W. piloted us there. We dined at our 
very kind and hospitable friend's, 1ST. Yail. The meeting, com- 
posed chiefly of persons not Friends, was not a very lively one 
to me; yet I endeavored to discharge what appeared to be my 
duty. 

4th. The weather, after being cool for the time of year, was 
fine to-day; and though warm, we got to Trenton about one 
o'clock, and crossed the Delaware. Next morning, riding to 
Bristol, we crossed in a steamboat to Burlington, and proceeded 
to our friend Henry Warrington's, at Westfield. Here we were 
received with his usual kindness; there being few who are 
more thoroughly sincere in their attentions to their friends, than 
he is. He is a true lover of the truth, and of the friends of 
truth, and heartily devoted to serve them and the blessed cause 
of the Eedeemer. I regard him as a pattern of Christian polite- 
ness and humility, without ostentatious displaj'. In the after- 
noon, he took us to see our friend Samuel Leeds, with whom 
we had cheerful religious converse. 

6th. Attended the usual mid-week meeting. The language 
passed through my mind pretty early after sitting down, Is 
there any growth in the Truth among you? I hoped that 
among so many goodly looking Friends, it might be answered 
in the affirmative, yet felt a fear it was not so fully the case as 
ought to be. The Master, I trust, qualified to enter a little into 
the state of the meeting, and to show that those who are faith- 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 475 

ful in a little, will be made rulers over more ; and will be fav- 
ored to see the beauty, order and strength of the church of 
Christ, the Lamb's wife ; and as they persevere, receive gifts to 
be occupied in their respective places, to his honor, and the 
benefit one of another. The exercise of parents for the ever- 
lasting welfare of their children, on whose account, as they 
rightly value the salvation of their own souls, their prayers and 
tears will often be poured forth, was spread before them, and 
the tendering power of the Holy Spirit appeared to be over 
some. Samuel Leeds closed the opportunity with supplication 
for Divine preservation for us all, and with thanksgiving to our 
Heavenly Father, for the renewed visitation of his goodness at 
this time. I was clothed with weakness, and a sense of unwor- 
thiness, yet hoped the pure mind was stirred up in not a few. 

We returned to our friend H. Warrington's ; and after dinner, 
my kind and attentive companion ..S. N. took me down to Cam- 
den, where we parted, with increased affection for each other. 
I then crossed the Delaware to my own home, where I found my 
beloved wife and family in good health, and glad to receive me. 
The feeling of sweet peace clothed my mind, with gratitude to 
the Lord for his preserving power, and the ability which He 
furnished for the work whereunto I believed He had called me. 

9th. First-day morning we had our friend Samuel Bettle, 
Sr. 5 to minister to us. Parts of his communication were parti- 
cularly instructive, and of a practical nature. My dear wife 
followed him in fervent supplication, and I hoped the Truth did 
not lose ground among us. 

12th. Emptiness and poverty have been my portion, accom- 
panied with mournful reflections upon the state of our religious 
Society. Will not the Lord have compassion upon us, and turn 
our hearts more to one another, with unfeigned love, and prayer 
for defence from the stratagems of the enemy ; whereby he i* 
constantly lying in wait, to beguile from the innocency of the 
Truth, that he may lay us waste individually and as a people ! 

Arise, O Lord, thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thy 
priests be clothed with righteousness ; and cause thy saints once 
more to shout for joy, because thou hast taken the government 
into thy hands, and rebuked the enemy, and brought us to see 
eye to eye in thy light. 

23d. Went to our son-in-law's, near G-ermantown, and lodg- 
ed ; and next morning my wife and myself went with them to Gr. 



476 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1850. 



S.'s, and attended Abington Monthly Meeting. They are a small 
company, bat mostly sincerely attached to our testimonies, and 
in their lives show their desire to support them. The spring 
of the ministry was opened for their comfort and admonition ; 
that they might not be deterred from faithfully pursuing their 
duty, either through discouragement, or the attractions of 
worldly things. They were reminded of Friends being a small 
company at their commencement ; but waiting patiently upon 
the Lord, they grew in the Truth, and received gifts to edify 
one another, and gather many to the fold of Christ. The visit 
appeared to be acceptable, and we rode back to G-ermantown. 

26th. Our Monthly Meeting was held to-day ; at which I 
returned the minute furnished for visiting the meetings of New 
Jersey, and informed Friends the service had been accomplished, 
to the peace and satisfaction of my own mind; having been at 
all the meetings but one. 

In the evening we again went to G-ermantown, and next 
morning were taken to Gwynedd, where we attended the Month- 
ly Meeting. A committee of the Quarterly Meeting was there, 
appointed, in consequence of their reduced state, to aid them in 
the management of the business. The women's meeting is much 
larger than the men's, and they were without such aid. I 
thought a fresh qualification was granted for preaching the gos- 
pel to them. The business was conducted suitably, though but 
few to speak to it. We dined with J. S.'s widow, and two sis- 
ters, who received and entertained us with much cordiality. 

28th. My dear sister H. Ehoads came to town, in order to pro- 
ceed to New York, to embark for Liverpool, on her religious visit 
to Friends. In the evening after taking tea with her and others, 
at my brother Charles', several Friends came in ; which furnish- 
ed an opportunity for feelings of sympathy with her, and of 
imparting to one another the word of comfort and caution, in 
which Samuel Settle, Sr., and several others participated. We 
hoped the retrospect would be satisfactory to her in a distant 
land, as it was grateful to us, to part under such feelings. 

29th. H. Ehoads, and Elizabeth Peirson, her companion, 
with several of their relatives and friends, went in the early 
morning line to New York, where the ship lay in which they 
were to sail for England. We were disappointed in finding she 
had fallen below the city, so that we could not see them on board, 
without going down the bay, and not return until after night. 



1850.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 477 



J. Ehoads and T. Evans accompanied them, taking the risk of 
being detained in the night. They got back to New York in 
the evening, leaving our friends pretty cheerful ; and the rest 
of the company reached Philadelphia about nine o'clock the same 
evening. The ship got under weigh, we suppose, next morning. 

Seventh month 4th. This morning, before rising, there seem- 
ed to be a gentle pointing to the Arch Street Meeting, where I 
had not been since the Quarterly Meeting. When there the life 
was low, and I felt borne down with discouraging thoughts ; 
but finally the necessity of daily and hourly living in the fear 
of the Lord, and maintaining the watch, that we might be de- 
livered from the various snares and temptations with which we 
are surrounded, came before me, with the intimation to rise 
with it.. The importance of young people beginning early in 
life to cherish this fear, and the daily practice of watching 
against and resisting temptation, by the aid of the Lord's Holy 
Spirit, was spread before them. The apostle exhorted the be- 
lievers to resist the devil and he would flee from them ; which 
was found to be true by the Lord's children and servants, down 
to the present day. The declaration concerning Levi was, 
'•• My covenant of life and peace was with him, which I gave 
unto him for the fear with which he feared me, and was afraid 
before my name." As this holy fear is kept, the Captain of sal- 
vation will keep us, and establish us upon the immovable foun- 
dation ; give us the testimony that we are his, and when the 
end comes, receive us into the arms of everlasting mercy, which 
will be of more value than all the world can give, could we pos- 
sess it. 

9th. From an apprehension of duty, I went to the Northern 
District Meeting ; and in the course of our silent waiting, the 
peace and safety of being brought to feel ourselves as the least 
of the Lord's children, came before me, with the testimony of 
the apostle Paul, that he was less than the least of all saints. 
It felt to me there was great sweetness of spirit enjoyed at times 
in this humble state. We were enabled in it, to bear bein^ 
trampled on, if it was the Lord's will to permit it ; while others 
may seem to reign as kings without us. Here we experience 
Divine support ; and when we are let down into baptism and 
suffering for our own Bakes, and the body's, our Lord will be 
with us ; and when our faith has been tried, He will show Him- 
self to be the resurrection and the life ; giving renewed qualifi- 



478 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

cation to speak to the praise of his excellent name. The lan- 
guage of encouragement was held out to some who had their 
peculiar trials to bear, that they might humble themselves as a 
little child, and thereby, according to our Lord's doctrine, be 
great in the kingdom of heaven. For if there is anything per- 
taining to us, that will bear the name of greatness, it is in being 
constantly clothed with the garment of humility 

This afternoon a fire commenced in a store on the wharf, a 
little below Yine Street, partly occupied with bales of hay; and 
either in that or the adjoining building, it is said, a quantity of 
saltpetre was stored. After the fire had progressed some time, 
one or two explosions took place, which did not create much 
alarm ; but the fire spreading and the heat increasing, a tre- 
mendous burst followed, throwing down the walls, and carrying 
high up into the air, a large quantity of ignited matter, which was 
carried by the wind on to the neighboring houses. It proved to be 
the most extensive and destructive conflagration our city has ever 
suffered from. How suddenly and unlooked for, have a large 
number of families been turned into the streets, dependent upon 
their friends, and the public, to provide them with temporary 
accommodations. Instruction ought to be sealed upon our 
minds, of the uncertainty of everything we now possess ; and of 
our duty to look to our Heavenly Father for protection, with 
reliance upon Him for all we have and need. We should thus, 
at least, be in the best condition of mind, to meet such a calami- 
ty, were it permitted to overtake us ; not having to charge our- 
selves with self-confidence, or with forgetfulness of what we owe 
to our great and gracious Benefactor. 

28th. This morning, as we sat at the breakfast table, being 
first-day, our beloved, absent sister H. Ehoads, was brought 
into view. Our sympathies were drawn forth towards her; ac- 
companied with sincere desires that she may be favored of the 
Lord, to see the path of duty which He assigns, and with wis- 
dom and authority, to pursue it to his praise and the good of 
the people. 

This morning I went to Germantown, in order to be at the 
meeting there ; having a secret drawing to be with them. I 
got in a little after the Friends had generally convened. The 
testimony was raised, that the Lord's tender mercies are still 
over all his works; extended even to the rebellious, and to 
those who love and serve Him. I was enabled to declare of the 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 479 

new and living way, that was opened by the blood of Jesus, and 
of the gift of grace purchased by Him ; by obedience to which, 
all may come to have access to G-od by this new way, and to 
worship Him in spirit, and pour forth their prayers to Him. 
To the rebellious, the danger of neglecting. the proffered salva- 
tion, by suffering the day of visitation to pass away unimpro- 
ved, was held out. Those who have given up and made sacri- 
fices, but from whom the Beloved of souls had hid his face, 
were encouraged to keep fast hold of their faith, however much 
reduced, and He would, when the dispensation had accomplish- 
ed its purpose, again cause his face to shine upon them, show 
them with clearness their duties in his church, and give wis- 
dom and strength to fulfil them. The aged who held fast 
their integrity to the Lord, when the powers of body and mind 
were weakening, would know Him who took them in his arms 
in the day of their espousals, to renew their strength as the 
eagle ; enabling them to rise above the tribulations of time, and 
animate them with holy hope and confidence, that in the end 
an admittance would be granted into the everlasting kingdom 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I hoped there were some 
serious and cheering feelings brought over the different classes. 
30th. Our city has been in a state of tumult to-day, by a 
great procession, in honor of the late deceased President. Such 
parades are opposed to the spirit of Christianity, both in the un- 
warrantable expense of money for mere display; drawing off 
many people from their business, whose means do not admit of 
it, and paying such adulation to 'a poor fallible being, cut off 
suddenly in the midst of the honors which were being heaped 
on him. It seemed to me that such mockery of mourning was 
more likely to call down upon us Divine judgment, in some 
form, than the approbation of Him, who is a G-od judging in the 
earth. The Mexican war, in which Z. Taylor was one of the 
chief actors, was a war of great atrocity, undertaken to enlarge 
the Slave States, and their influence in our government. The 
territory wrested from Mexico has proved a source of great and 
bitter contention, between the Free and Slave States, threaten- 
ing the dissolution of our Union, and failing to secure the object 
for which it was undertaken. The number of disasters and 
calamities, involving the destruction of the lives of many of our 
own citizens, and the loss of much property, by fires and other- 
wise, has been very striking, and leads the watchful, reflecting 



480 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1850. 



mind, to the apprehension, that inasmuch as the United States, 
by their armies, have wantonly destroyed the lives of hundreds 
of unoffending people, Divine Providence has, in part, withdrawn 
his protecting power, and suffered these things to overtake us, 
as retribution for our great sins against the Mexicans, and 
against the poor negro ; for whom, the slaveholder was prepar- 
ing a market, that he might enrich himself by the sale of his 
fellow man. The confusion in which our Congress has been 
placed, for the eight months of this session, is a further evi- 
dence, that the Lord has deprived them of the wisdom, ability 
and harmony which enabled them to despatch their business in 
sessions back ; and it may be still more withdrawn, to show us 
that our government is not so permanent as we have imagined. 
" Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a 
fall." 



CHAPTEE XXIY. 

1850—1851. 

Various Eeligious Engagements within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting — Lib- 
erated to pay a Religious Visit within Indiana Yearly Meeting. 

1850, Eighth month 14th. We shut up our house and went 
to stay a few days with our beloved brothers, and families, at 
Springfield. 

15th. Attended their meetings ; in which we both had some 
service, I hope to the encouragement of the right-minded. 

19th. "We went to Concord and attended the Select Quarterly 
Meeting ; in which the way opened to encourage all, to keep on 
the watch tower, waiting for the coming of their Lord, even if 
they must remain in their ward whole nights. The dispensa- 
tions of the withdrawing of the Heavenly countenance are for 
our good, and if properly endured, prepare us to receive the 
Lord at his coming, and a qualification to testify of his power 
and goodness; and to labor to gather others into the love of 
Christ. 

20th. Attended the Quarterly Meeting for Discipline under 
great weakness ; there seeming to be little ability to advocate 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 481 

tne good cause. In the second meeting there was a concern 
felt, to call Friends to greater degrees of true fellowship, in that 
love which the apostle alludes to, when he said, " It is in oar 
hearts to live and to die with you." As we are clothed with this 
love, we shall keep a guard over our tongues, and take care not 
to speak of others, in connection with anything that will lay 
waste their religious standing. Our brother, Joseph Ehoads, 
concluding to accompany us to the Western Quarterly Meeting, 
we set out after dinner. 

23d. Eode to London Grove, and when the Meeting con- 
vened, we found it much larger than we expected, many Friends 
from Concord, and some from Cain Quarter being there. My 
dear wife was engaged in vocal supplication, that He who 
breathed upon the dry bones in the valley, would condescend to 
work by his mighty power upon many, and prepare them to 
stand as an army for his cause ; and also for the dear children. 
P. E. followed her in testimony. Afterwards I was constrained 
to bear testimony to the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, the Shiloh 
of God, to whom the gathering of the people is to be. Who, 
when He came in the flesh, declared, that as Moses lifted up the 
serpent in the wilderness, so shall the Son of Man be lifted up ; 
and, that when He was lifted up, he would draw all men unto 
Him. The people were invited to come to Christ in his spirit- 
ual appearance in the heart, and to obey his Divine requisitions 
as made known there ; that they may be brought out of their 
earthly conditions, and qualified to promote the spreading of 
his kingdom, by turning others to righteousness. The business 
of the meeting was transacted in a becoming spirit; the impor- 
tance of waiting upon the Lord for wisdom and right direction 
in the Meetings for Discipline, was affectionately spread before 
them. In the afternoon we accompanied our dear friends, J. 
and S. W. to their habitation. Parts of the road being through 
a luxuriant country, beautifully diversified with hills and val- 
leys, woods and grass fields, we enjoyed the ride. In the follow- 
ing morning, we had a religious opportunity with our friends and 
some young people. 

26th. Was held Chester Monthly Meeting at Springfield, and 
a pretty large company gathered. I Avas fervently engaged to 
warn Friends of the danger of making idols of the temporal 
blessings with which we are so abundantly surrounded; forget- 
ting and neglecting the duties and the gratitude which we owe 



482 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

to the Great Giver. For all these things, we must give account 
in the day of judgment. If we are delighting and aggrandizing 
ourselves with them, and growing in self-importance, the lan- 
guage from one of the holy watchers may go forth, " Hew down 
the tree, and cut off the branches •" and awful will be the con- 
dition of such. Such were called upon to come again to Bethel, 
and through holy help, renew their covenants with the Lord ; 
that so they may again experience that humility and tenderness, 
which they were once favored with. It was a solemn opportu- 
nity, in which I hoped the Truth had the dominion ; and Friends 
parted with feelings of near affection. We rode back into the 
city. It was pleasant to get again under our own roof, where 
the feelings of peace and comfort are so often enjoyed. 

Ninth month 10th. Went to the North Meeting ; which, for 
the middle of the week, was quite large. I sat, perhaps, nearly 
an hour, during which many presentations passed before me. 
Finally the happy condition of those who were brought as chil- 
dren into the Lord's family, and were preserved in it to the end, 
even to old age, came livingly before me; and through, the 
blessed openings of the Key of David, I was enabled to enlarge 
upon the progress, baptisms, preservations and deliverances of 
these, to the comfort and strength, I hope, of some present. To 
those who had been often called, yet turned the back upon the 
heavenly visitant, a voice of solemn warning went forth ; and 
the mourners were encouraged to hold fast their confidence firm 
to the end. I came away with a peaceful, cheered mind. 

18th. Went to Germantown, and the next morning being the 
meeting day there, I attended it. The danger of swerving from 
the path of holiness, after being brought into it, and the indis- 
pensable necessity of giving up all that is called for, that a 
growth and an establishment in the Truth may be attained, 
were held forth among them. Some unstable ones, who at one 
time are made sensible of Divine convictions, and then are turn- 
ing away, and forgetting what manner of persons they have 
seen themselves to be, and taking delight in things not accord- 
ing to the requirements of the Holy Spirit, were tenderly en- 
treated to renew their covenants with the Lord in the day 
of visitation, and seek for strength to keep them faithfully 
unto the end. 1 believe that holy help was present, qualifying 
to search into the states of some. 

Tenth month 5th. I am sixty-three years old this day. 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 483 

Thoughts of the race being nearly run ; and the possibility of 
its being brought to a close earlier than I may anticipate, pro- 
duce feelings of a serious kind, and desires to be making ready 
for the solemn moment of death. 

6th. First-day morning. Our meeting still reduced. After 
sitting an hour, and feeling much poverty, I was constrained to 
testify, that a manifestation of the Holy Spirit was given to 
every man, to enable him to work out his salvation. That it 
reveals sin in the heart, and affords the strength which alone 
can deliver from it. This grace and truth come by Jesus Christ ; 
who not only was offered upon the cross, a propitiatory sacrifice 
for the sins of all mankind, but also purchased for all, this Di- 
vine Grace, which teacheth us to deny all ungodliness, and the 
world's lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this 
present world. As it is obeyed, it regenerates the dark heart, 
and gives true faith in the Son of God, and prepares us to receive 
a Divine understanding of the Scriptures ; which were written 
by holy men under the guidance of the Spirit of Christ. It 
alone can give a true sense and belief of them. It felt to me 
that there were some present who had fallen into a state of un- 
belief, through the despite which they had committed against 
this grace ; and by trampling under foot the blood of the cove- 
nant, by which alone they can be sanctified, they were nigh to 
denying the Lord that bought them. The great change that 
had been wrought in many unbelievers, who were brought to 
receive Christ into their hearts and to obey Him, so that they 
experienced, like the man out of whom the devils were cast, 
what it is to be clothed and in their right mind; and who then 
desired and loved nothing so much as to sit at Jesus' feet, was 
laid before them. He who appeared in the midst of his disci- 
ples, the doors being shut, and called on Thomas to put his 
fingers into the print of the nails, and thrust his hand into the 
hole in his side, made by the soldier's spear, and be not faithless, 
but believing, and when Thomas had done so, and said, my Lord 
and my God ; is an omnipresent, as well as omnipotent Saviour. 
Not only all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in 
Him ; but all power in heaven and in earth is given unto Him ; 
and He alone can give true faith, and enable, us to believe in 
Him, and give power to become the sons of God. Many things 
connected with the work of salvation, until we come to be es- 



484 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

tablished upon Him, the Eock and Foundation, against whicn 
the gates of hell cannot prevail, were opened. 

12th. My dear wife, in company with S. C, and my brother 
Joseph Evans, left home to visit the meetings of Exeter, Maiden 
Creek, Greenwood, Muncy and Elklands. The weather was very 
fine, and if no accident befall them, everything seemed to bid 
fair for a prosperous journey, if the Lord be their guide and 
blessed helper • which it is my hope for them will be the case. 

13th. At our first-day meeting, the company was a little in- 
creased. A warning was sounded among them against a light, 
scoffing spirit, on the subject of religion, and respecting the consci- 
entious scruples of men and women who fear God, and endeavor 
to walk according to his will. Friends were called to the work 
of religion in themselves ; that every thing of a light and chaffy- 
nature might be destroyed, and a solid and weighty frame of mind 
might take the place of it, so that they may be examples of 
purity and self-denial, and a standing protest against the wick- 
edness and abominations that run like a torrent through our 
land. They were warned against countenancing the vain ex- 
hibitions and amusements that evil men and women, strolling up 
and down, were inviting the people to. Many people who make 
a profession of religion, make no scruple in frequenting such 
places, and by their example encourage others to do the same. 
How can such be clear of the blood of their fellow men, while 
leading them into the paths of wickedness, and away from the 
footsteps of Christ's companions? But those who turn their 
back on all the temptations of Satan, and follow the great Cap- 
tain of salvation, will know Him to give power over all the 
powers of the enemy; and that he can deliver those who sin- 
cerely desire to come unto God by him. I left the meeting un- 
der a sense of Divine sweetness and peace, in having given up 
to do what I believed the Lord called for, though I had shrunk 
from it, lest I might act without my guide. 

17th. My brother-in-law, J. Rhoads, having been indisposed, 
I was drawn, in sympathizing with him in his lonely feelings, 
on account of the absence of his valuable wife, to make him a 
visit, and to attend their meeting. The meeting was small. Un- 
expectedly, the subject of the growth of trees presented to me. 
Planted, when like small switches, yet if properly cared for, 
and defended from injury, gradually growing, and finally becom- 
ing valuable for fruit, or for shade and beauty. So it appeared 



1850.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 485 

tc me to be with trees of the Lord's planting. As they are 
cherished and preserved from the enemies they are exposed to, 
they experience a growth in grace ; their root strikes downward 
in the heavenly soil, and they bring forth fruit to the praise of 
the Great Husbandmen, and finally they are established in the 
house of the Lord, and flourish in the courts of our God. He 
beautifies and dignifies such in his church, and enables them 
to glorify Him in their generation. They become pillars in the 
house of our God, that shall go no more out ; and He writes upon 
them the name of our God, and the name of the city of our God, 
which is New Jerusalem ; and He will write upon them his new 
Name. It was a day of favor ; in which the hearts of some of 
the mourners were made glad, and the dear young people cheered 
to hold on their way. 

28th. The un settled state of almost all the governments in Chris- 
tendom, and the excitement among Protestants, in consequence 
of the attempt of the pope to resuscitate the Eoman Catholic 
hierarchy in England, showing the unextinguished craving in 
that corrupt and antichristian church, for universal dominion, 
have a depressing effect on those, who travail in spirit for the 
more glorious breaking forth and spreading of Christ's kingdom 
in the earth. The bold effort made there, may have been per- 
mitted, to rouse up Protestants to examine how near they ap- 
proach that degenerate body, in their reverence of the beggarly 
elements and superstitious ceremonies, that have no relation to 
the spiritual, regenerating religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
A further consequence may be the more open exposure of the 
abominations committed by the .Romish church, and thereby 
pave the way for its downfall, and the arising of the light of 
the glorious gospel of Christ ; before which all ceremonial rites 
and practices will fade away. 

I have a secret hope that the Lord is at work to bring about 
a more settled state of our religious Society; to bring forth 
some whom He has been preparing to stand more openly and 
boldly for its christian doctrines, testimonies and discipline ;.and 
to rebuke the spirit that has been at work, to divide and scatter, 
by upholding those who have attempted to bring in unsound 
opinions, and giving liberty to go into things which the Truth 
is against. 

After enduring much secret suffering, in which there seemed 
few to sympathize and to strengthen j as I sat in my parlor, 
*32 



186 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1850. 

waiting upon the Lord, there was a secret, undeniable sense 
granted, that the Lord beheld me in my trials and fears, on 
account of our poor Society ; and my heart was comforted, and 
my faith renewed, that his gracious eye is constantly beholding 
his tribulated children. May we not hope, that the clouds with 
which we have been so long surrounded, are preparing to break 
away. 

This morning, I felt an intimation to go to the Arch Street 
Monthly Meeting, where I had not been for many months. The 
advantage and safety in being brought into a humble, lowly 
condition of mind, in which the strength of man is turned as 
into weakness and nothingness, was opened before me; and 
after a Friend had spoken, I believed it required of me, to stand 
up with this matter. Though our faith may be reduced very 
much, yet as we do not wrest ourselves from under this dispen- 
sation, to seek relief from some outward source, the Lord in his 
time would appear, and by the testimony of his Spirit, enable 
us to say, "Thou, God, seest me." The precious stream of the 
ministry rose a little, and flowed forth, to the refreshing of not 
a few. The dear school children were also called upon, to obey the 
tender convictions of their Saviour's spirit. The business of the 
meeting was transacted with weight, and a proper feeling of its 
importance ; and I hope we were a little cheered with the pre- 
sent evidence of Divine good in the midst; and with the re- 
newal of faith, that the light which first visited the members, 
and gathered our religious Society, would yet break forth in 
thousands ; and the precious cause be spread by us in the earth. 
I came away with the feeling of heavenly peace, and lowliness 
of mind before the Lord ; and therein desire to be preserved, 
and to give unto Him at all times, the glory and honor which 
are his due alone. 

Twelfth month 2d. It will be a great favor if Divine Power 
rises into dominion among us, so as to animate and strengthen 
right-minded Friends, to come out boldly on the Lord's side, and 
on behalf of our testimonies ; that so the self-denial, the humil- 
ity, the simplicity, and the inwardness of spirit, which charac- 
terized our first Friends, may be revived, and shine forth con- 
spicuously. There is an enmity against the lowliness, which 
Christ leads his humble followers into; and a desire, in some, 
to make a show in the world ; that we may be like others, and 
thereby the reproach of the cross caused to cease. As that 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 487 

takes place, our locks will be shorn ; we shall become weak 
like other men ; spiritual vision will be lost, and worldly 
professors will vaunt over us. But may the Lord in mercy, 
kindle up fresh zeal among us ; bring us near to one another in 
the covenant of life, and enable us to put shoulder to shoulder 
in the support of his cause j and send forth fresh laborers into 
his harvest field. 

18th. Poverty of spirit, and the reduction of faith have been 
my portion many days past. If it is of the Lord's dispensing, to 
lay low the creature, it is enough. He will not cast off those 
whom He condescends to purge, and prostrate, if they give 
themselves, and all they have, into his hand. There can be no 
higher favor, than being objects of his mercy and preserving 
power ; and this is as truly shown to be the case, in his empty- 
ing and stripping dispensations, which bring man to feel his 
own nothingness, as when His candle shines upon his head, and 
he is filled with a heavenly sense of the Divine fulness. 

1851, First month 8th. I have been renewedly confirmed in 
the opinion, that the pointing of the Divine finger is needful to 
lead us safely in visits to other meetings. Friends in every 
meeting, have their rights in the disposal of the business of that 
meeting, and any interference, in man's will and wisdom, not 
only may give an improper direction of subjects under deliber- 
ation, but wound the feelings of the members. It is evident 
that nothing but the w T on der- working power of Divine love and 
kindness, can heal the breaches, and restore to us the paths of 
peace and heavenly unity to dwell in. This we must suffer and 
travail for in the patience of the saints, and the Lord will 
bring it about to his owm honor and the great comfort of his 
people. 

20th. A dear friend and his wife, called in this evening, with 
whom w^e had sw^eet converse upon the things concerning the 
spreading and power of truth, which lie nearer to our hearts 
than anj^thing else. He was under a concern that Friends 
might more frequently visit the members, who have little oppor- 
tunity of mingling with rightly concerned Friends; and en- 
courage them to faithfulness.. He thought the Society w^as still 
blessed with a living ministry ; that many acknowledged it in 
their hearts, and he could not think it would be lost, but in 
time fruits would appear. He expressed a fervent and sincere 
desire, that Friends who felt the weight of service, and of our 



488 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

responsibilities, might be encouraged. I united with his views 
in relation to the advantage of Friends more generally visiting 
one another in a right spirit ; and we may hope that the time 
is drawing on for it. 

22d. Having felt my mind turned to the Western Meeting 
for a few days, I went there and attended the Monthly Meeting. 
I was brought low, and the matter which opened before me, 
seemed of such close nature, I felt afraid almost to look at it. 
After a time it was taken away : when the great importance of 
watchfulness and daily prayer, that we may be preserved from 
losing ground and falling short in the end, came livingly over 
my mind, and had a humbling effect. Under a degree of ten- 
derness, I believed it right to rise with this subject, and to express 
what might be presented for others, as well as myself, on the 
unspeakable blessing of Divine preservation in a blessed growth 
in the Truth, and an establishment in it unto the end. He who 
loved us before we loved Him, and of his mercy and power 
brought us out of darkness, sin, and corruption, will not forsake 
us, if we do not turn our back upon Him ; but in the same loving 
kindness and tender mercy, will warn of danger. He will, as we 
submit and bear his dispensations, strip us from time to time, 
of all we have known, plunge us into a sense of our nothing- 
ness, and in this way keep us lowly and dependent, and enlarge 
our hearts, and knowledge of Divine things. The language of 
the beloved and aged apostle, "Little children, keep yourselves 
from idols," revived, with the liability man might be exposed to, 
if he left a lowly watchful state, to idolize his natural talents, 
acquirements, spiritual gifts, and religious experience ; and 
getting lost as in a mist, Satan, who can transform himself into 
the appearance of an angel of light, may set him to work in 
things which the Lord never called him to do; and finally the 
wrong spirit get into dominion in him, which had in good mea- 
sure been cast out. I was opened and led, I believe, by the good 
hand into these things, for my own benefit, and also as a re- 
newed warning to some, who had quite enough of the creature at 
work in them, under the garb of religion, and promoting the 
kingdom of Christ. It was of the Lord's goodness that the 
clothing of Divine charity was felt; earnestly desiring the 
present and everlasting welfare of every one in the meeting. 

28th. For several days my mind has been under fear, and 
some discouragement, on account of the Society. Some over- 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 489 

zealous ones, who are more willing to talk than to suffer, ap- 
pear to have too little regard for the excellent church govern- 
ment which the Lord instituted among us. They do not rightly 
value the preservation of the Society, a united body; but throw 
out opinions, that indicate too little sensibility, respecting sepa- 
ration ; as though it would be attended with little inconvenience, 
and no disadvantageous consequence. To me it is a source of 
deep sorrow, when I perceive men and women, in stations in the 
Society, feel and talk in this manner. Surely they know not 
what they do. But at times, I have a secret hope that the 
Lord Almighty, who raised us up a people for his honor, will 
mercifully hear and answer the prayers, which He begets in the 
hearts, I trust, of many exercised servants ; and put a bit in the 
mouth of the enemy, who would destroy his heritage, and turn 
him backward. And when He sees our sufferings are, at this 
time, enough, grant deliverance from the snare, and renew our 
strength and courage to lift up the voice, for the precious testi- 
monies and doctrines, He raised Friends to support. That so 
the dear young people may be comforted, and strengthened to 
give up their names fully to serve the Lord; and " Instead of 
the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the briar, 
shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a 
name, for an everlasting sign, that shall not be cut off." 

29th. In answering the Queries at our Monthly Meeting, held 
this day, there prevailed a uniting spirit, under which more 
than a usual travail for one another's welfare, was felt ; and 
Friends were lively in speaking to the different subjects that 
came before us. If the Lord would bring down all wrong 
things, and clothe us more entirely with his love, so that with- 
out any dissimulation, we were one another's helpers, it would 
be like balm to the wounded spirit, and the bones which seem 
to have been broken, would rejoice. 

Second month 3d. Having passed some days with little 
sensible evidence of Divine good, I went to the Quarterly Meet- 
ing for business much discouraged, and with little hope that the 
quickening power of Christ would be felt by me. Over the 
men's meeting, a feeling of renewed exercise was spread ; and I 
thought Samuel Bettle, Sr., was strengthened to call Friends 
back from the violations of our testimonies, which not a few had 
fallen into, by their conformity to the changeable fashions of 
the world. They were calling plainness in dress and language, 



490 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. T1851. 

the reading of fictitious books, and others calculated to poison 
the mind with unsound principles, and to spoil it through philo- 
sophy and vain deceit, little things ; he believed the testimonies 
maintained by Friends respecting them, were the fruits of pri- 
mitive Christianity. Departures from them created false taste; 
excited and unsettled the feelings ; and these led to the dislike 
of our silent meetings ; and a desire to go where preaching, 
and vocal or instrumental music, could be heard; which men 
were induced to think they could use as the worship of Almighty 
God. But it could have no effect, except on the animal feelings, 
to arouse and excite them. He opened several of our testimo- 
nies, and pleaded with the young people to prize the privileges 
which they had offered them, in such a Society as ours, that 
watched over them for good. My brother Thomas also spoke 
to several points, as well as some other Friends, with which 
others united. I thought it my place to say, I hoped we should 
profit by the exercise spread over the meeting; it was an evi- 
dence that He who raised us up had not forsaken us. How 
fearful were we in the beginning of our heavenly journey, of 
doing anything against the Truth ; and how desirous to know 
the.Divine will, and to receive strength to do it. Was there 
not now a danger, after experiencing a little prosperity, of put- 
ting forth the hand, and appropriating the blessings of a kind 
Providence, to purposes, of which we should have been afraid 
in those days ; especially in the furniture of our houses, and in 
our mode of living? Entering into our own condition, and 
being favored to search Jerusalem with candles, after having 
been so long contending against error without, and among 
others, made this meeting additionally satisfactory, and raised 
the hope that the Lord was beginning to work for and among us. 
9th. First-day. A low time, nearly throughout morning and 
afternoon. Towards the latter part of the day, there was a 
little sensation of Divine notice and regard, by the merciful 
Shepherd of his afflicted people. At the evening meeting, I was 
led to refer to the suggestion of some, that the Society would 
go down ; which I believed would not be permitted, but through 
unfaithfulness and disregard of the many offers of Divine help. 
" There is a river the streams whereof shall make glad the city 
of God, the holy places of the tabernacles of the Most High;" 
the sanctified hearts that have become temples of the Holy 



1851] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 491 



Ghost. "God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; 
God shall help her, and that right early." 

12th. At our meeting to-day, there was a larger attendance 
of children from two schools, colored and white, than is com- 
mon. I felt the revival of concern for them, and was led to 
warn them of the dangers and temptations that await them ; 
encouraging them to mind the convictions of the Holy Spirit in 
their own hearts ; to shun evil company, and to keep clear of 
profanity, and of taking the Lord's name in their mouths im- 
properly. 

Went down to Woodbury in the afternoon, and stopped at 
William and Mary Mickle's. We had the agreeable company 
of a few Friends there ; and to-day, the 13th, attended their Quar- 
terly Meeting. I was engaged among them, to warn some of 
the deadening effects of the love of the world ; and to invite 
others to be obedient to the clear discoveries of the Divine will, 
to some of whom, the language may be applicable, "Arise, 
shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord has 
risen upon thee." Were those who are thus visited by the illu- 
minations of the Spirit of Christ, faithful to its requisitions, 
there would be raised among us, judges as at the first, and coun- 
sellors as at the beginning ; and ministers to declare to others of 
the mercy and power of the Lord extended to them. What loss 
individuals and the church sustain, in consequence of disobedi- 
ence and neglect of duty ! 

21st. On the 15th, in company with our beloved friends S. 
and B. ~N. } my wife and myself went to Westtown School. We 
attended their first-day meetings. In the morning, I was led to 
open the doctrine of Divine preservation ; and to refer to the case 
of Joseph, whom his brethren, at one time, appeared to be deter- 
mined to destroy, but finally sold him to a company of Ishmael- 
ites, who sold him to the captain of Pharoah's guard. Here he 
was thrown into prison without just cause ; and maintaining his 
integrity, he was there kept by the Lord, and qualified to inter- 
pret the dreams of Pharoah's butler and baker ; and eventually 
to experience the fulfilment of the dreams he had in his youth- 
ful days ; by being made ruler in Egypt under Pharoah. Some 
present were tenderly entreated to keep the faith and confidence 
in the Lord's preserving power, they had been favored with, 
which would be their suj)port and defence, to the end. as their 
eye was singly directed to Him. The dear children were also 



492 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

affectionately persuaded, to mind the warning voice of their 
dear Saviour ; by yielding to which, they would he preserved 
from the insidious snares and allurements of a cruel enemy; 
grow up in good liking before Him, and in his time be prepared 
for service in his church. 

On second-day morning, the 17th, we rode over to Concord, 
and attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. 
Third-day were at the Quarterly Meeting for discipline; in 
which we both had some service, to our own relief, and, I hope, 
the comfort and strength of others. 

In the afternoon, the mail brought me a letter from my dear 
sister H. Ehoads, dated the 6th and 7th of this month, at Croy- 
don, near London ; conveying satisfactory accounts of her move- 
ments. It was pleasant to find, that amidst the trials attendant ' 
on the work in which she is engaged, there are seasons of Di- 
vine consolation, and evidences of the merciful regard of her 
Heavenly Father, strengthening her therein. 

23d. Throughout most of this day, I have felt little to cheer 
in the heavenly journey ; though in the morning meeting, I did 
not see I should do right, without reviving the expressions of 
our Lord, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink 
his blood, ye have no life in you ;" " He that eateth my flesh, 
and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him ;" endeav- 
oring to set forth how little outside profession and appearance 
will do, without the internal communion and participation of 
the life and substance. 

Third month 2d. First-day morning I was drawn to hold 
up to view, that we are placed here in a state of probation ; to 
prove the Lord's love and mercy to us, and to be proved whether 
we will obey his discoveries and requisitions, and thereby glori- 
fy Him that created us, so as to be ready, having on the wed- 
ding garment, to enter the everlasting abodes of blessedness; 
in which I was somewhat encouraged. 

10th. It is a period that calls for close watchfulness, and 
sincere prayer to the Lord, that the spirit of division may not 
be permitted to lay the Society waste. Those who advocate or 
enter into separation, know not what they do. I believe it is a 
delusion; and were self baptized into death, we would prefer 
suffering anything, but a sacrifice of our faith, rather than break 
up the excellent order of church government, which the Lord 
blessed the Society with, in the beginning ; and which He 



1831.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 493 

placed around us, as a hedge, and a defence of our testimonies 
against the inroads of the enemy, and the allurements of the 
world. 

21st. Oar Meeting for Sufferings was held this day ; in which 
selections from authentic documents on the African slave trade, • 
made by a committee on the subject, were read; and directions 
given to print in a panrohlet, and dissemina^? it among the 
officers c.' the General an 1 State Governments, vad the mem- 
bers of the different legislatures, as well as to others. An 
epistle to the Meeting for Sufferings in London, was adopted, 
and directed to be forwarded to that body. 

23d. First-day afternoon, I felt much for the poor in spirit ; 
the young visited ones who had but few to look up to like 
fathers and mothers in Christ, and yet have to encounter the 
temptations of a watchful destroyer. Also for those of fur- 
ther experience, who are surrounded with discouraging views 
of the state of the Society, and at times may be ready to give 
out and cast away their shield. A little matter arose in my 
mind, as I thought for these different ones ; and in weakness, 
and fear of doing without right authority, or of leaving undone 
that which was a duty, I arose, and matter was furnished which, 
though very small at first, expanded, and I hope, contributed 
to the strength of some, as well as to my own encouragement. 

30th. This has been a day of clouds. What can poor, feeble 
man do for the visible church, when conflicting spirits and views 
are arrayed against it ? He can do little more than pour out 
his feelings, in sighs and groans that cannot be uttered in words; 
and strive to hope against hope, and to keep hold of the least 
shred of faith that may be left, that Divine mercy will not be 
withdrawn ; but that in the hour of extremity, He who is called 
the Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace, will rend and dis- 
perse the clouds, and give rest to the weary spirit; often tossed 
as with a tempest, and not comforted ; and bring us into a 
state of firmer unity, and purer love towards each other 

I had some satisfactory conversation with a Friend, respect- 
ing our Yearly Meeting, and the spirit of division abroad in 
other parts of the Society. We were united in the belief, that 
our place is to stand still, and maintain the ground which we 
have taken, against unsound opinions and practices. 

Fourth month 1st. Our beloved aged friend Sarah Churchman, 
being very unwell, and doubts felt of her recovery, I went to 



494 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

Germantown, to see her daughters. After sitting awhile at her 
house, I called to see Abraham Keyser, now near ninety years 
old. He spoke of his first attendance of Friends' meetings on 
first day, which were then mostly held in silence. After he was 
convinced that it was his duty to join the Society, he was satis- 
fied it was right to go to the meeting in the middle of the week; 
and he had not suffered his business to keep him from meeting, 
at any time since. This is a good testimony, and what every 
true Friend, who lives and walks in the Truth, will feel bound 
to keep faithfully to. He also mentioned that while he was 
laboring under much mental exercise, Thomas Scattergood 
came out to the meeting, and spoke as plainly to his state, as if 
he had it all written down before him. This settled him in the 
conviction of what it was right for him to do, and he gave up 
to do it. 

2d. To-day was our fourth-day meeting. After a long 
silence, in which I had many fears of speaking, I felt afraid 
to depart without reviving the expostulation of the Lord of 
the vineyard, " Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go ye 
also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye 
receive." That there is a work for every one to do in the 
vineyard of his own heart, which no man or woman can do for 
us, was held forth. It is they who labor that receive wages, 
and gather fruit unto life eternal. The weeds in the garden of 
our own heart are to be first eradicated, that the ground may 
be prepared 'for the Seed of the kingdom to grow in it. To be 
employed in finding fault with others, while our own hearts are 
unattended to, and the work of sanctification and redemption 
not going on in us, will be of no benefit to ourselves. But what- 
ever may be our trials and discouragements, if we are faithful 
to the clear discoveries of the Divine will, we shall lay up trea- 
sure in heaven ; and keeping our lights burning and loins girded, 
watching for the coming of the Master, He will in his time 
appear, spread a table for us, and come forth and serve us. 

6th. On first-day afternoon, the essential benefit of silent 
waiting upon the Lord, in meeting and out of it, that our spirit- 
ual strength may be renewed, and we kept alive in the Spirit, 
was opened, under a feeling of the quickening power; and the 
humble, honest travaillers for the circulation of Divine life, were 
encouraged to hold on, keeping the faith, and they would grow 
and deepen in the root. 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 495 

8th. Went out to Grermantown to attend the burial of our 
worthy friend and helper in the Lord, Sarah Churchman. 
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth ; 
yea, saith the Spirit, they rest from their labors, and their 
works follow them." 

18th. Our Meeting for Sufferings convened this morning; 
and among other subjects which received its attention, was an 
interesting report from the Book Committee, showing the sale 
and distribution of Friends' books in the past year. The de- 
mand appears to increase yearly ; and we may hope that the 
circulation of the sound gospel views which these books con- 
tain, will be beneficial, especially to seeking minds. More zeal 
and diligence in this good work are greatly needed. AYe know 
not where conviction may be carried home by these writings ; 
and we ought therefore to spread them far and wide, among all 
classes. A few pamphlets written by George Fox, brought 
from the north of England into London, had a powerful influ- 
ence upon many, and no doubt opened the way for the ministers 
of the gospel who came to that city, with a message of salva- 
tion, and who were favored to gather multitudes, to the truth 
as it is in Jesus. 

19th. The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held 
this morning, where we had the company of an unusual number 
of strangers from other Yearly Meetings. 

21st. The general Yearly Meeting convened, and was a large 
collection of Friends. Epistles from all the Yearly Meetings, 
except ^Tew England, were read, and a committee appointed tc 
prepare replies. The Y"early Meeting closed on sixth -day noon. 
It was held in much solemnity and order, and to the great com- 
fort of Friends. AYe had cause to return thanks to our Heav- 
enly Father, for his mercy and goodness in preserving us a 
united body ; laboring in harmony and the spirit of condescen- 
sion ; which had not been so fully experienced for several years. 
May it increase and rule among us in our future comings to- 
gether. 

My anticipations of this Yearly Meeting had been of a painful 
character ; and whether such feelings are permitted to humble, 
and remove all confidence in everything but in the extension of 
Divine mercy and power, for our deliverance, or not, it was a 
great favor that those apprehensions were not realized ; but 



496 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1851. 



that the controlling power of the invisible Shepherd and Bishop 
of souls, kept us in steadfast reliance upon Him. 

30th. Our Monthly Meeting was held to-day, by appoint- 
ment ; and having had revived on my mind, at different times, 
in the last two years, a concern to visit some of the meetings 
of Indiana Yearly Meeting, particularly on the western side of 
it, although feelings of discouragement on account of the state 
of the Society attended, I believed it best to lay it before 
Friends for their consideration and judgment. They spoke pretty 
freely to it, and a certificate addressed to Friends, expressive 
of the unity of the Monthly Meeting with me as a minister, 
and with the concern, was prepared and directed to be signed 
by the clerk. 

Fifth month 5th. This morning our dear friend Eobert 
Smith departed this life. He was a man of a chastened and 
pure spirit, and of dignified manner and deportment. As he 
was a man of peace, very much subdued in his temper, so he 
went down to the grave in peace ; speaking of himself a little 
before the close, with great modesty, yet giving proof, so far as 
he could be understood, that his hope in the Lord's mercy and 
forgiveness, was as an anchor to his soul. With a short sick- 
ness, and but little suffering, he passed away, nearly eighty -one 
years old, to an inheritance, we humbly trust, that is incor- 
ruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away, eternal in the heavens. 

The weather this morning was wet and chilling, and the 
Quarterly Meeting, on the women's side of the house, was less 
than usual; but I thought the men's a large meeting. After 
the extracts from the Yearly Meeting minutes were read, and 
recommended to the subordinate meetings, I mentioned the con- 
cern I was under, to visit meetings in Indiana Yearly Meeting, 
from which, at times, I was ready to shrink; but believed it 
right to submit it to the consideration and judgment of the 
meeting. The weight and unity which appeared, I thought 
was more than usual ; it was unlooked for, and was received by 
me with gratitude. A suitable minute was made, and directed 
to be endorsed on the certificate of the Monthly Meeting. There 
was a covering of solemnity over us throughout. 

Sixth month 2d. Yesterday and first-day week were sea- 
sons of Divine favor ; in which my Lord and Master enabled 
me to preach his gospel with that authority which gave evi- 
dence it was not of man ; and I trust it found its way into the 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 497 

hearts of some goodly seeking ones, and was a renewed call to 
some others. 

On fourth-day last was our Monthly Meeting ; in which my 
friend Joseph Elkinton informed, that he felt drawn to accom- 
pany me in the proposed visit in Indiana Yearly Meeting ; 
which was united with, and I hope will prove a relief and com- 
fort to me. 

5th, Was at the Arch Street Meeting ; in which I felt my 
own weakness and unfitness to approach Him, who is immacu- 
late purity. As the time drew near for closing the meeting, I 
remembered the prophet regarded himself as a man of unclean 
lips ; and that he was commissioned to hand forth the language 
of encouragement to some among the degenerate children of 
Israel ; and his language, on one occasion, was brought before 
me, " Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God. 
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her 
warfare is accomplished ; that her iniquity is pardoned ; for 
she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." 
This was applied to those who submit to the Lord's fire in Zion, 
and his furnace which is in Jerusalem. When they have passed 
through the administration of his judgments, the baptism of 
the Holy G-host and fire, so as to have the filth purged away, 
and to be no longer as reprobate silver ; they know all their in- 
iquities pardoned through the blood of the everlasting covenant. 
They are prepared to partake of the cup of suffering for the 
body's sake, the church ; which at times they seem to drink as 
to the dregs ; so that they may feel as if they received double 
for all their sins. But it is all for a moment ; and when the 
blessed reward at the end of the race is granted, it is no doubt 
felt as light affliction, in comparison with the eternal weight 
of glory which the saints in light partake of. The least and 
lowest place in his kingdom will be enough for the tribulated 
spirit. I thought holy help was mercifully near, qualifying for 
a little service, which would be the last before setting out on 
the proposed journey. 



498 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 



CHAPTEE XXY. 

1851. 

Eeligious visit to Meetings in Iowa, and other Meetings within Indiana 
Yearly Meeting. 

1851, Sixth month 10th. Left home this morning, accom- 
panied by my friend Joseph Elkinton, under feelings of much 
nearness of affection and solicitude for my dear wife and chil- 
dren, and a deep seriousness at the extent of the prospect before 
me. A visit to Iowa, and intermediate meetings, is an under- 
taking of importance, and produces, at times, sensations of sad- 
ness at the thought of the separation from my beloved family, 
and the liability to sickness or accident, to which we may be 
exposed ; yet accompanied with the hope, that the Lord's pre- 
serving power and goodness will go with us, helping me through 
without hurting the cause of Christ ; and it may be to the com- 
fort of some weary ones. We rode to George Malin's, twenty- 
three miles, and dined with them, where we were cordially re- 
ceived and sympathized with for the work before us. Bode to 
Aaron Cooper's, in Sadsbury, before sunset, where we were 
kindly entertained and lodged. 

11th. The weather fine, we left our friends about seven 
o'clock ; dined at a tavern two miles beyond Lancaster, rested 
two hours, and by evening got to a tavern near York ; having 
passed through Columbia, and crossed the Susquehanna on a 
bridge, about one and a quarter miles long; the distance forty 
miles. Wrote home to inform our friends how we got along ; 
and being much fatigued went to bed early, and sleeping well, 
was much refreshed. 

12th. We had a rough ride, after leaving York about three 
miles, through several small towns, and in the afternoon, crossed 
the South Mountain to the cold springs; where we found toler- 
able entertainment. The temperature of the water, as it issues 
from the spring, we were told, is forty-eight degrees, and when 
it gets to the baths, about fifty-one degrees. They are resorted 
to by invalids from various places ; and the use of the water, 



1851.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 499 



and the exercise taken in the mountain atmosphere, are often 
very invigorating. 

13th. Rose early in the morning, and rode eleven miles to 
breakfast, at Chambersburg ; thence over the Cove Mountain, 
to McConnelsburg, twenty-two mile3. It took about two and a 
half hours to cross the mountain, from Loudon to the latter 
place ; they are eight miles apart. Rode to Reamer's, at the 
bottom of Sideling Hill. This mountainous country presents 
scenery that is grand and impressive to those who are not 
familiar with it. The people in general, so far as we discover, 
live in a rough manner. Some have good dwellings and farms, 
but many appear to obtain barely the means of subsistence. 
This was not an agreeable stopping place to us ; but we have 
been favored to travel with much satisfaction, the weather being 
cool and dry. 

14th. Rode over Sideling Hill to Snell's, six miles, and break- 
fasted ; thence up the Juniata River, eighteen miles, to Bedford. 
The road along the river was good, the water on one hand, 
and the hills on the other, of bold ascents ; some of them pre- 
senting rocky fronts, imparted a romantic character to the 
scenery, softened by the flowing of the beautiful stream at our feet. 
We were glad to find ourselves at Bedford about one o'clock. 
"We rode to Dunning's Creek, the road rough and hilly. In one 
place, where it had been dug on the side of a precipitous hill, it 
was so narrow, that we thought it safest to lead the horses, as 
a little variation from the track, might have precipitated us over 
a steep bank. Our friends received and accommodated us 
kindly. 

15th. Being first-day, and notice having been spread of our 
intending to be at the meeting, a larger number of persons as- 
sembled than is customary. There seemed for some time but 
little of that religious exercise and feeling, which ought to be 
found among true worshippers, in this gospel day; and 3-et I 
believe the Shepherd of the sheep was not unmindful of us. 
After sitting some time under a state of barrenness, the import- 
ance of every one being daily engaged in the work of their own 
salvation, came before me, with the intimation to stand on my 
feet; and the way gradually opened to lay before them the na- 
ture and need of this work ; which is of more consequence than 
anything else in this world. A degree of solemnity spread over 
us, and some were brought into tenderness on the occasion. 



500 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

Went to the house of a young Friend to dine, and in the 
afternoon, had a religious opportunity with the children, and 
several others ; in which they were invited to increased dedica- 
tion to the Lord, and his cause, both for their own soul's sake, 
and for the sake of those around them. Lodged at a Friend's, 
to whom, and his parents, our visit appeared to be acceptable, 
and I trust comforting and cheering. 

16th. He piloted us to Shellburgh, and put us in the way to 
get on, what they term, the mud pike j which we supposed was 
made by throwing up the earth from each side, to make a good 
clay road. But our disappointment was great, at finding our- 
selves upon one of the stoniest and roughest roads, in this part 
of the country. Eode about thirty-seven miles to-day. 

17th. Eode to Lexington, thence crossing Laurel Hill, we 
continued on over Chestnut Eidge, a high and tedious range, 
and withal so stony and rough, that we feared our carriage 
would be broken. It was indispensable, for the relief of the 
horses, that we should walk over many of the hills; which 
made the journey laborious. Within the last thirty years, 
much clearing of the forest has been done, in some of these 
mountainous districts, and in fifty more, it is probable, this will 
be made a beautiful and productive country, as the means of the 
inhabitants increase, and the mode of farming is improved. 
Large droves of cattle and flocks of sheep, are driven on these 
roads, to the eastern markets, and the pasturage in summer, and 
the feed on grain in the fall, afford a market for the farmers on 
the road. After dining, we rode to Connelsville on the Youghi- 
ogheny Eiver, and thence to a place of private entertainment, 
which afforded tolerable accommodation. 

18th. Eose early, and made our way to Brownsville, part of 
the way on the National turnpike, which was in good order, and 
during the day travelled forty miles. 

19th. Travelled the same distance, to St. Clairsville, in Ohio. 

20th. Got to our friends B. and M. Hoyle, near Barnesville. 
Here we were visited by several Friends, whose society and con- 
versation were cheering. 

21st. Got some repairing done to the carriage, and made 
some calls. 

22d. We attended the first-day meeting at Stillwater, which 
was a pretty large company. We seemed to sit in a dry place, 
for a long time, under the feeling of which, I feared the people 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 501 

were not sufficiently engaged in travail of soul for themselves, 
but were looking to be fed or satisfied through others. Such a 
state was spoken to, and the indispensable need of this labor 
for their own salvation, pressed upon them. The honest travel- 
lers were encouraged to keep to their Lord, and to be faithful 
to their gifts, and they would finally receive a crown of life. 
What avails the mere practice of coming to meeting, and hold- 
ing the principles of Christianity, if we are swallowed up with 
worldly thoughts and pursuits, and have forgotten the dew of 
our youth ; going after the perishing things of time ; which I was 
afraid was the case with some. 

In the afternoon, B. H. and wife, and J. B., accompanied us 
to a Friend's house, near Smyrna, intending to pilot us to Owl 
Creek. Here we were told that E. S. H., who had frequently 
appeared in the ministry, spoke that morning for some time in 
their meeting, acceptably to Friends. Soon after sitting down, 
he was taken with apoplexy, and about five o'clock died. This 
solemn event affected me, leading to serious reflections on the 
uncertainty of life ; but as I had left all that is dear to me, under 
the belief of religious duty, I was kept from desponding of the 
mercy and protection of the Lord Almighty, and endeavored to 
keep an eye to Him, and to the work before me. 

23d. Took leave of our dear friends, and rode to Coshocton; 
parts of the road over mountainous hills, which made travelling 
tedious and wearisome. 

24th. Having rested well, we drove on to Millwood; most 
of the way on the banks of Whitewoman Eiver and Owl Creek; 
the road good. That night we got to a Friend's house in the 
settlement, near the meeting-house. 

25 th. Attended Alum Creek Preparative Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders held at this place; in which I was led to make 
some observations on a case before it, touching the care to be 
observed towards persons appearing as ministers; both as to 
hastening their reception into these meetings, or in too long de- 
laying it, when Friends are satisfied that a gift in the ministry 
has been bestowed. The discernment and sense which the Holy 
Spirit gives to those who humbly wait for its guidance, is the 
ground of right decision; and that is to be looked, for by those, 
whose duty it is to judge in these cases. It appeared to me, 
that the desire to fill the ranks of ministers and- elders, at this 
day, arising in part from the idea, that the cause of Christ de- 
33 



b02 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

pends mainly for its support on much activity ; and also, it is to 
be feared, from a change of opinion, in not a few, respecting in- 
ward spiritual religion and worship, is involving the Society in 
great danger. 

26th. After the Scriptures had been read this morning, by 
one of the parents, I felt drawn to speak on the importance of 
rightly discharging their duty. The need there is of watchful- 
ness and prayer, that they may be endued with wisdom to 
govern the children, and to example them, so as to do nothing 
we would deem improper in them. Like Abraham, to command 
our house, and our children after us, to keep the Divine law. 
The children were reminded of the serious responsibility which 
attaches to them, for the right occupancy of the measure of 
grace, purchased for them by the Saviour; and for the advantages 
of membership in the Society of Friends ; and they were affec- 
tionately invited to faithfulness to that precious gift, and the 
improvement of the privileges they had. 

Attended the Monthly Meeting ; in the first meeting, I was let 
down under a view of my own weakness, and unworthiness, and I 
believe all ability for vocal service was withheld in Divine wis- 
dom, for my own sake, as well, it may be, as for others. In that 
for discipline, after some Queries were answered, I was led to 
advert to the nature of our testimony to silent worship, and the 
spirituality of the gospel dispensation ; and endeavored to en- 
courage Friends to maintain right exercise in their religious 
meetings ; and though the number may be small, who are thus 
faithfully engaged, yet the declaration of the Saviour would be 
realized, " Where two or three are met together in my name, 
there am I in the midst of them." In the afternoon, we rode 
to W. H.'s, Jr., but the young man who undertook to pilot us, 
having missed the way, part of which was through woods, we 
did not arrive there until after dark. The family received us 
very kindly, which was the more grateful, as we had been under 
some uncertainty whether they were the Friends we were in- 
quiring for, and whether we should succeed in finding their 
residence. 

27th. Notice was sent over this morning to Weston, appoint- 
ing a meeting at three p. m. ; which was held to some satisfac- 
tion, though the number of exercised members appeared to be 
smafl It scorned to mc, that Friends were in danger of substi- 
tuting a verbal profession, and activity in some benevolent ob- 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 503 

jects, in place of that daily, inward travail of soul for the bread 
and water of life, which can alone keep it alive unto G-od, and 
qualify to fill up the measure of service the Lord designed us 
for in the world, and in the church. I was impressed with the 
belief, that the Lord would send forth messengers, as in the rise 
of the Society, to gather the members back to practical obedi- 
ence to the Light of Christ in the heart. We took tea with A. 
S., and lodged at J. M.'s, near neighbors, who appeared to be 
sincere-hearted Friends, and glad of our company. 

28th. Piloted by W. H., we rode to Gilead ; and in the after- 
noon, attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. 
I sat among them in emptiness ; but towards the close, felt en- 
gaged to hold up to their view the great importance of the 
stations which they occupied, both to themselves and to the 
flock. There are dispensations meted out by the Head of the 
church, for our renewed humiliation, to strip us of what we 
have* been entrusted with, to let us see and feel our own nothing- 
ness, and to prepare for further service when He sees meet. In 
this condition, we are to abide the Lord's time, not daring to 
stir up or awake our Beloved until He pleases. When we have 
waited his time, we come to know Him, by his quickening 
power, to be unto us the resurrection and the life. It is a great 
favor to be kept, from the beginning to the end of our heavenly 
pilgrimage, in this lowly, travailing state, and to see greenness 
in old age. It was to be feared, that for want of being willing 
to endure the. baptisms of the Holy Spirit, some have trusted in 
themselves and their early experiences, and have lost ground, 
and not attained that establishment in the Truth which they 
would have been favored with, had they continued as when in 
the child's state. There are right hand as well as left hand 
errors, and it is needful to guard against the insinuations of 
Satan, who sometimes seeks to destroy the good work, by per- 
suading that we are unfit for it ; even when the pointing of 
the Divine finger is felt, to engage in.it. But we are to lay 
hold of the degree of faith furnished; and moving at the Lord's 
bidding, we shall know Him to be mouth and wisdom unto us. 
I thought the little service made its way into the hearts of 
some and opened them towards us. 

After meeting, we accompanied our elderly friends, W. G. and 
his wife, to their humble dwelling, where we were kindly enter- 
tained. 



504: JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

29th. First-day. At Alum Creek Meeting ; in which the doc 
trine of humility was held up to view, as inculcated by our Sa- 
viour, when the disciples had come to Him saying, "Who is the 
greatest in the kingdom of heaven;" and "He called a little 
child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, 
verily, I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as 
little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." 
And when the mother of Zebedee's children desired that her sons 
might sit, one on his right hand and the other on his left, in his 
kingdom ; He replied, Ye know not what ye ask ; and let them 
know that it was only to be given to them for whom it was pre- 
pared of the Father. The desire for eminence and notoriety, 
either in the world, or in the church, cannot be indulged by the 
truly devoted follower of Christ. His concern is, to be made 
and kept what the Lord would have him to be ; and if he per- 
severes steadily, he will be brought to see more and more clear- 
ly, that his safety depends upon constant resignation and 
obedience to the Divine will. 1 was very unusually and un- 
looked for, led to treat on this momentous subject; and the 
meeting closed with prayer for the diffident, honest-hearted ones 
among them, that they might be strengthened with might in 
the inner man, to hold on their way faithfully; and for the 
young people, that they might open their hearts to the King of 
glory. Dined, and in the afternoon returned to Grilead. 

30th. Was held Alum Creek Quarterly Meeting. In the 
meeting for business, many spoke to the subjects brought before 
it. After they were pretty much through the business, I felt 
drawn to revive the prediction, " In that day the Lord of hosts 
shall be for a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, unto the' 
residue of his people; and for a spirit of judgment to him that 
sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that turn the battle 
to the gate." I observed, that if this prophecy is fulfilled at the 
present time, it ought to be in our religious Society. Our early 
Friends were brought off from all human dependence, to wait 
on the Lord for ability to act in his cause and his church; 
and they knew Him to preside among them, and allot to his 
servants their respective portions of the labor. One of them 
said, "In Babylon there is the likeness of everything that is in 
Zion." They saw the deception, and rejecting the mere image, 
they sought for the substance. I felt afraid that some, even in 
the appearance of love and unity, were in danger of mistaking 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 505 

the show of it for the reality, which is only known by the truly 
baptized members of the church of Christ. The young men, 
many of whom were possessed of good talents, were invited to 
wait for Divine direction, to enable them to take their proper 
places in the church; some to be mouth, and others as ballast, 
to keep all steady ; every one minding the Pilot, that the bark 
may be guided safely. 

Proposing to go into the women's meeting, a Friend was 
named to accompany me, and the Master qualified me to preach 
the gospel of salvation by Christ, to the young people ; who were 
pleaded with to yield to the calls of his grace, and come to Him. 
Faithfulness in the discharge of their duties, was pressed upon 
the mothers, that as far as in their power, they may prepare the 
children to receive the Seed of the kingdom ; and that when 
the end came, whether the children regarded the entreaties and 
exercise of their parents or not, they may be clear; having the 
testimony of the Lord's spirit, that they had done what they 
could. It was a tendering time with some. In the afternoon, 
rode eleven miles, and lodged. 

Seventh month 1st. Eode forty miles to Lewisburg; and on 
the 2d, had an appointed meeting there ; which was a season 
of favor, some disconsolate ones being encouraged to resignation, 
and to believe that He, who can bind up the broken-hearted, 
will remember them, sanctify their afflictions to their benefit, 
and as they give up to Him, will in his time, lift up their heads 
in hope. An elderly woman Friend rose, and said with some 
fervor, that she could set her seal to the truth of the testimony 
just borne. Dined with H. "W*., and in the afternoon rode 
eleven miles to Goshen. 

3d. We had a pretty large meeting, composed of persons 
who appeared to be much strangers to the inward life of reli- 
gion ; which makes hard work for the poor servant, without 
obtaining much relief. In the afternoon, we had another at 
Westland, about three miles distant. The doctrine of salvation, 
through the coming of Christ in the flesh, and by his Spirit in 
the heart, was enforced ; and a dependence on a mere profession, 
without this inward work of sanctification, was warned against. 
The people were affectionately invited to come into the living 
experience of this heart-changing work ; that being partakers 
of that saving faith, of which Christ is the author, they maybe 
made witnesses of his power and goodness, in setting them free 



506 . JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

from sin, and bringing them into that state of perfection, which 
the gospel inculcates. Divine help was extended, enabling me 
to relieve my mind and to depart in peace. 

4th. Eode to Garmel. The meeting was small. After wait- 
ing some time, the language presented, " Blessed are they that 
hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." 
I was enabled to speak to such a state, recurring to the poor 
widow in the time of the famine, who was gathering some 
sticks to bake for herself and her son, the last pittance of meal, 
expecting to die after it was partaken of; but obeying th !, ec- 
tion of the prophet, to prepare a cake for him first, she experi- 
enced the supply to be continued, until the Lord sent rain on 
the earth ; and so it would be in a spiritual sense. The obedient 
soul would not be suffered to perish ; but keeping the faith in 
those low seasons, renewed supplies of heavenly bread would be 
furnished, as it is patiently waited and labored for. My mind 
was then turned to those who were full of business, in provid- 
ing for the body, neglecting the work of their salvation, living 
as without God in the world, and striving to collect much about 
them. But all their earthly possessions could not procure for 
them one crumb of heavenly bread, or a drop of living water. 
And what will they do when the pale messenger is sent to their 
habitation? Prepared or unprepared, they must go to their 
everlasting reward. 

Although it was distressing to enter into the condition of 
such worldlings, yet it seemed right to warn them of their dan- 
ger ; and such were called upon, if it was even the eleventh 
hour, to enter into the vineyard of their own hearts, and labor 
to have everything removed that was choking the good seed, 
and obstructing its taking root and growing there. 

5th. Set out pretty early this morning, and rode forty-seven 
miles to West Branch, in Miami county. We dined, and fed our 
horses at a farm-house on the road, but did not reach the 
Friend's house to which our guide took us, until sundown. 

6th. Attended West Branch Meeting, being first-day. The 
weather being wet, and no notice spread of our intention of 
being there, the company was small. The necessity of living 
in the fear of the Lord, in order to experience preservation, was 
inculcated. It is not beginning and running well for a time, 
that will do for the true christian, but by dwelling in humility, 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 507 

asking preservation of the Lord, and minding his warning voice 
when temptation is presented, that safety can be known. 

Notice having been spread for a meeting at Mill Creek, at 
four o'clock, distant about four miles, we went there. Found 
a company collected, few of whom were Friends, but they sat 
in a becoming manner. It is a trial to be the means of conven- 
ing those who are expecting words, little acquainted with silent 
waiting on the Lord, to receive ability to offer spiritual wor- 
ship ; but keeping still, with a single eye to Him, He qualified 
me to preach the gospel of life and salvation through Christ, in 
his outward appearance in the prepared body, and his spiritual 
manifestation in the heart, as the great Baptizer of his children ; 
bringing to remembrance many passages of scripture in support 
of 'the practical efficacy of that religion, of which He is the au- 
thor, and will be the finisher, in the obedient soul. It was to 
my admiration and the solemnizing of the people. Thanksgiv- 
ing for his mercy and condescension to us, poor unworthy crea- 
tures, and prayer for continued preservation, were offered up to 
the Lord Almighty; and I humbly hope, under the puttings 
forth of his Spirit. 

We went home with W. D. J., who received and took care of 
us, in a kind and affectionate manner ; which is very grateful 
to travellers, far from their connections and home friends. 

7th. Staid with this aged Friend to get our horses' shoes at- 
tended to ; the top of the carriage painted; the dry, hot weather 
having cracked the paint, so that it leaked ; also to refit our- 
selves a little. This Friend told us he was once a member of 
Bush Eiver, in South Carolina; and within a few years had 
travelled there in a wagon, to bring away some colored people 
who had been freed from slavery ; and in going, they slept 
out in the woods most of the time. He brought away three, 
with their certificates of manumission. In a town of Kentucky, 
they were surrounded, he said, by thirty men, who, probably, 
supposed the negroes were runaway slaves ; but the proof of 
their legal freedom was such, as to deter the men from stopping 
them. I thought it was a striking instance of devotion to the 
cause of the injured African. After his parents came into Ohio, 
then a wilderness country, he was employed in wagoning pro- 
duce to Cincinnati, on the Ohio River, and bringing away store 
goods. There being few or no bridges across the rivers, they 
had to ford them, or to swim their horses and wagon through. 



508 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

In the latter case, there being several teams in company, he 
said, they tied down the body to the axle-trees, to prevent it 
from floating off; and attaching six or eight horses to a wagon, 
with a rider to each span of horses, they would swim the whole 
through the river, and in this way cross those streams. It was 
their practice to lie out at night, carrying their food, cooking 
utensils and bedding with them. He stated that at one time, 
he was out, when the snow was from one and a half to two feet 
deep ; in which with their loaded wagons, they could make but 
from four and a half to eight miles a day. When evening came, 
they selected a suitable place to encamp; and after unharness- 
ing and feeding the horses, leaving them to lie down in the 
snow, they cleared a place for themselves, kindled a fire of 
bushes and small timber, took their suppers around the fire, and 
then spreading out their bedding, they lay with their feet to 
the fire, the heavens and the earth being their covering and 
their bed. He thought it was a very healthy way of sleeping. 
When the weather was rainy and the ground wet, they cut 
branches and bushes, to raise them from the water on the 
ground, and placed their bedding on them. The Friend appear- 
ed to be a healthy, hardy old man. 

8th. Had an appointed meeting at Concord; which was 
small ; chiefly made up of the few Friends residing there. I en- 
deavored to do what appeared to be required, but it was rather 
a laborious time. Several Friends dined where we did, and the 
man being a large farmer, we had conversation on the influence 
which much business has in drawing the mind away from the 
great object of our creation ; preventing us from performing the 
duties which the Lord requires of us, and filling the sphere He 
designs us to occupy, so that we may become the salt of the 
earth and lights in the world. The education of children in a 
guarded manner, attending to the proper cultivation of their 
minds, so as to prepare them for usefulness in the world, was 
enforced ; as well as the great importance of parents setting 
them a right example by religious lives and conversation ; in- 
stances of the effect of which were mentioned. One Friend pre- 
sent told my companion he thought it was not lost time that 
had been spent there. Went to J. C.'s, about six and a half 
miles; not far from Uniontown. 

9th. Attended Union Meeting, being the Preparative Meet- 
ing, which was large. The state of some, whose faith was 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 509 

closely proved, was impressed on me ; and after waiting for a time, 
under the fear of over-acting, or suffering the meeting to pass 
without doing what I ought, I rose with the expressions, 
" Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord de- 
livereth him out of them all," and dwelt on the benefits derived 
from our trials. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and 
scourgeth every son that He receiveth." After entering into 
the necessity of these dispensations, for man's refinement and 
preservation, 1 was led to those who knew nothing of these 
chastenings ; who were without their changes, and were living 
in ease and indifference ; and those who are without chastise- 
ment, are not the sons and daughters of the Lord. Many of 
these go into the earth, and are covered as with thick clay ; so 
that they are in danger of entirely losing the tenderness and 
sensibility which they knew in the days of their youth. It ap- 
peared to me, that the inordinate pursuit of the things of the 
world, had brought a cloud over our religious Society, as well as 
over other parts of Christendom generally. We were planted 
a noble vine, wholly a right seed, in the beginning; but were 
now in danger of becoming the degenerate plant of a strange 
vine. Some were solemnly warned of the consequences of wor- 
shipping Mammon, and reminded of the testimony of Christ, 
that we cannot serve Grod and Mammon ; and of all that we can 
collect of this world's goods, we can carry nothing out with us. 
I was enabled to declare the truth in the authority thereof, 
expostulating with the worldly professors, and in entreating 
the young people to serve the Lord. Two Friends confirmed 
what had been said. 

After the meeting we went to the house of a Friend, where 
we remained until the following morning, and found his home 
an agreeable stopping place ; there appearing to be more mental 
culture in his family than in some others, judging from their 
reading and deportment. Where we meet with those who- are 
religiously exercised, however simple their habits may be, cur 
hearts are united to such, and their humility, and the innocency 
of their spirits, render their society agreeable. 

10th. Was at Lick Branch, which was small, owing in part 
to its being harvest time, and the weather frequently wet, so as 
to make getting their grain housed, very precarious. It was a 
good meeting to me, and to some others. One elderly Friend 
said he was glad I was there. Lodged at J. H.'s, who, with his 



510 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

wife, appear to be concerned Friends. They expressed their 
gladness of our visit. 

11th. We took an affectionate leave of our friends, and rode 
five miles to South Fork, where we held an appointed meeting; 
chiefly made up of persons not members, and a few Friends ; 
part of them from other places. It was not a very animating 
time to me, though some manifested their satisfaction, for whose 
strength and preservation intercession had been made to the 
Father of mercies. This evening a Friend came from Lick 
Branch, to pilot us to New Garden. 

12th. Set out pretty early for New Garden, in Indiana. Some 
parts of the way being flat, and the ground peculiarly liable to 
be cut in very deeply by travelling on it in wet weather, the in- 
habitants have been in the practice of covering them in some 
places, with logs, not hewed, which makes extremely rough 
riding. We reached F. T.'s a little before sundown, and were 
frankly received ; I having been there about eight years before. 
We found him an intelligent Friend, concerned for the main- 
tenance of our religious principles ; and he appeared to be alive 
in the Truth. I felt much distressed on entering Indiana, not 
knowing how we should get along, yet desiring to be Divinely 
guided in the way the Lord would have me to go. 

13th. Attended New Garden Meeting in the morning ; 
to which I walked in the feeling of great poverty, yet in 
hope we should meet with a body of lively, spiritual worship- 
pers, with whom we could take comfort. In sitting with them, 
the life of religion was felt to be low ; but after a time of strug- 
gling after good, it appeared right to address the language of 
encouragement to those who were sensible of their condition, 
and oppressed with the indifference around them. Then the state 
of these worldly ones, coming before me, warning and entreaty 
were extended to them. I left the meeting under feelings of 
depression, thinking that little good had been done ; but I en- 
deavored to keep patient and resigned. In the afternoon, we 
had a meeting at Newport, about a mile distant; where we 
found a number of Friends, who appeared to be tender-spirited, 
and with whom I had a relieving opportunity, and parted from 
some of them with feelings of interest and affectionate regard. 
We rode that evening to W. B.'s, at Lynn, accompanied by two 
agreeable, kind Friends. 

14th. Had an appointed meeting at Lynn, which was largely 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EV INS. 511 

attended ; I thought by some who were seeking after good ; to 
whom I was enabled to minister in the openings of the Holy Spi- 
rit ; and to hold up to some, who had entered into covenant in their 
early setting out, that if the Lord would give them bread to eat 
and raiment to put on, He should be their God, and they would 
serve Him, that now having increased in their estates, they were 
in danger of being caught with the snare of the fowler, and to 
love their possessions, instead of the great Giver. But He Was 
watching over them, and secretly warning them ; and they were 
exhorted to go to Bethel, like Jacob, and renew their covenants, 
that they may be delivered from the snare, and be preserved 
from losing their standing in the Truth. I was thankful for 
the supply of matter, and the ability to communicate it in the 
gentleness of Christ. There appeared to be a tender feeling 
produced in some, who I hope, were comforted. 

Eeturned to W. B.'s, dined, and remained here to attend the 
burial of a woman Friend. The company went into the meet- 
ing-house ; and I felt drawn to labor to impress on them, the 
solemnity of such events, and the necessity of laying them to 
heart, that each one may be prepared for the close of life when 
it comes to them. But how easily do such impressions pass 
away ! The indifference shown by many, to the subjects of 
religion, and the importance of preparing for death, is very dis- 
tressing ; and almost induces the thought, that little benefit re- 
sults from all the labor we pass through. 

15th. Rode over this morning to Cherry Grove, where we 
had an appointed meeting ; in which I was enabled to set forth 
the nature of spiritual worship, which stands in communion 
with the Father and Son ; not only when assembled to perform 
the duty publicly, but also in daily waiting upon the Lord for 
the renewal of our strength. The inward work of religion is 
greatly lost sight of by many among us; and the testimony of 
our early Friends, that the professors of their day, acknow- 
ledged some of the truths of the gospel, while they lived as they 
listed ; and how Friends were brought to forsake all, and wait 
upon the Lord, by which they were enabled to hold up the 
ancient gospel in life and precept, were opened in this meeting. 
Friends were called upon to examine, whether there was not a 
danger of going back into the condition of those formal profes- 
sors, instead of advancing in the spiritual and Divine life. 
They were pleaded with, in the love and gentleness of Christ, 



512 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

to search into their condition, and come back into the inward, 
daily waiting upon, and communion with God, for the renewal 
of their strength, by the bread and water of life, which come 
from Him. It was a day of favor, and the truths delivered 
could not be gainsayed. A Friend piloted us to Economy. 

16th. Attended Springfield Preparative Meeting, held at 
Economy. Notice of our being in the neighborhood having 
been spread, some strangers came in, and I had rather a labori- 
ous time, in opening the doctrine of obedience to the Divine 
will, revealed in the heart, as the ground of preparation for ac- 
ceptance with God ; and the way by which the work of sancti- 
fication is carried forward, and we become acknowledged by 
Christ, as He owned his disciples ; " Whosoever shall do the will 
of my Father, which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and 
sister, and mother." Afterwards I was brought to bend the 
knee in prayer for the poor in spirit ; for the rebellious, whose 
souls are also precious, and for the dear young people. I hoped 
the truth gained some entrance ; but oh, the lifelessness of very 
many who go under our name ! 

We dined in the village, with a doctor and his wife, who were 
very kind, and in the afternoon, piloted us twelve miles to Flat 
Rock. At the first house where we stopped, and had expected 
to put up, we found they had scarlet fever; and thinking it not 
proper to add to their cares, or to expose ourselves to the liabil- 
ity of taking the disease, we went to a neighbor's who took 
us in. 

17th. Attended Flat Rock Preparative Meeting; in which 
for a time, it seemed to me there was so little life among them, 
that I thought I had scarcely experienced such feelings of dis- 
couragement. But finally it appeared necessary to sound an 
alarm among them, and leave them to the Lord. This after- 
noon it rained and blew hard, with lightning and thunder, very 
heavy; but being desirous of getting on our journey, we set off, 
and got to the house of a Friend, near Spiceland, about dusk ; 
where we were refreshed by the kind entertainment of his 
family. 

18th. This morning we were piloted to the National road, 
and then set out, without a guide, westward. The road was 
softened by the rain, which made the travelling heavy, until we 
reached the plank road, east of Greenfield. We were disap- 
pointed in the appearance of the country, which was but little 



1851] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 513 

improved, in many parts, and to us, presented rather a dreary 
aspect. Dined, and fed our horses at this village ; and after 
suitable rest, set out on the plank road ; over which we moved 
faster than we were aware, so that we got to Indianapolis before 
six o'clock. Here we received letters from home which were 
cheering, giving good accounts of the health of my family. It 
appearing too early to put up for the night, we went on and 
stopped near Bridgeport, and lodged. 

19th. Eode to Plainfield, and dined, then went to E. W. H.'s, 
who had been at my house a few years since, with J. H., then 
on a religious visit in our city. It was pleasant to see him in 
his own habitation, where we were comfortably accommodated; 
he and his wife being Friends of religious experience. 

20th. Attended Spring Meeting, to which they belong ; which 
was a pretty large collection, but noisy and unsettled, by fret- 
ful children, and persons running out and in. It was a labori- 
ous time, but little entrance seeming to be made into the hearts 
of the people. We went home with A. H., and staid with him, 
and his kind attentive daughters, until the next morning. It 
was a house, where I thought the Son of Peace was to be found. 
In the afternoon, our friends E. W. and C. H., came over to see 
us, with whom we passed the time in agreeable converse. The 
country here has been heavily timbered ; so that some farms 
surrounded by the forest, seemed to be inclosed with wooden 
walls ; obstructing any distant prospect, especially where the 
surface is pretty flat ; and, consequently, creating in a stranger, 
the feeling of loneliness ; there being little or no improvement 
within view, beyond the farm we may be on. 

2 1st. A religious young man having offered to accompany 
us to Eockville, in Park county, we set out, and rode to a suit- 
able place for dining, and feeding the horses. The weather 
being cool, it made travelling pleasant ; the road pretty good, 
except where they had covered it with logs over wet, flat land. 
Our stopping-place was a house of private entertainment, the 
residence of a farmer, w x here they had plenty of wholesome 
provision, and he served us with politeness and respect. "VYe 
reached S. A.'s, near sunset, having travelled about forty-one 
miles. He and his wife received us very frankly. We had con- 
versation with him, respecting the travelling through Illinois, 
and found that at this season of the year, he apprehended there 
would be no difficulty ; and he offered to accompany us the next 



514 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

afternoon to the Vermillion settlement, on the west side of the 
Wabash Eiver ; which we gladly accepted. We were now get- 
ting very many miles from our beloved families and homes, and 
the prospect of soon entering upon the prairies, brought over 
me sensations of loneliness, as I walked out into the woods, and 
there recurred to the countenances of those I held most dear to 
me in this world ; and to the risk of accident and disease, to which 
we might be exposed. But there was a secret support, and a 
trust raised in the merciful and compassionate Shepherd, who 
sees us wherever we are ; and as we have nothing in view but 
to do his will, He will renew our faith, and defend and carry 
through all, to his honor and praise, and our sweet peace. 

22d. This afternoon we crossed the Wabash Eiver in a scow, 
where we saw evidence of a recent freshet, which had spread 
over the flats ; and, we understood, had made crossing very dif- 
ficult. A few miles from the river we came to an arm of one of 
the great prairies. Viewing the expanse appeared like looking 
out to sea; there being no object in the distance to rest the eye 
on, for miles, but grass. The thought of being out on such an 
extensive plain, which seemed to have no limit, and the possi- 
bility of missing our way, was rather dreary. Towards even- 
ing, we got to W. H.'s, within the limits of Hopewell Meeting. 

23d. Attended their Preparative Meeting; in which I was 
brought into sympathy with some tried ones, who had difficul- 
ties to contend with ; and was favored to speak, in the humbling 
openings of the Holy Spirit, as I believed, to the states of such. 
I was also led to call on some others, to examine whether they 
had the same tender feelings and desires, to walk in obedience 
to the manifested will of Gk>d, which they felt in the days of 
their early beginnings; or whether the enemy was not working 
as behind a screen, to immerse them in the pursuit of the world, 
and thereby destro}^ their growth in the life of righteousness. 
I was thankful for the Lord's condescending regard to me, a 
poor creature. I thought their answers to the Queries were 
prepared in a suitable manner, on those subjects, and was com- 
forted with the meeting. 

24th. Attended Vermillion Meeting. Notice having been 
spread, a pretty large company collected. It appeared right to 
hold up to them the distinction between works of benevolence 
and kindness, which unregenerate man can perform, and a sub- 
mission to the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, by which 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 515 

man is made free, and kept free from the spots of the world. 
Divine help was present, qualifying to enforce the necessity of 
this spiritual, inward work, as the only way by which we shall 
come to the knowledge of God and of his Son Jesus Christ, 
which is life eternal. 

Dined at I. S.'s, and found it a pleasant stopping-place ; his 
wife appearing to be a mother in Israel. In the afternoon, we 
rode through the prairies four and a half miles, to Pilot Grove ; 
so called from its being seen across the flat country, several 
miles, from certain points, and serving as a beacon to travellers 
to steer their course by. Here we had a pretty large meeting 
of Friends and others ; to whom was set forth the fruits of the 
religion of Christ ; in subduing and regulating the passions 
and evil propensities of fallen man ; and the blessed results of 
kindness and tenderness for one another, and the purity and 
righteousness, which are produced by religion, were shown to 
them. The people generally seemed to be such as needed to be 
taught the first principles of the gospel of Christ. The weather 
was extremely warm and oppressive, which exhausted me much ; 
but it was a comfort to have the day's work peacefully accom- 
plished. We stopped a short time near a Friend's house, who, 
with his wife, proposing to accompany us, had to call at home 
before setting out ; we then rode seven miles to Ellwood, 
where we lodged. 

25th. We bad an appointed meeting here ; which was quite 
large on the men's side. After a season of patient waiting, the 
Lord gave ability to open the doctrine of Friends, on the sub- 
ject of Divine worship ; the necessity for all to be gathered, 
when thus assembled, into a humble, inward waiting for Christ; 
to know Him to prepare our offerings ; which, if only a broken 
heart, and a contrite spirit, will be regarded by our Heavenly 
Father. These humble, struggling ones, will be at times bap- 
tized by one Spirit into one body, and made to drink into one 
Spirit; and if two of them shall agree touching anything they 
shall ask, in the name of Christ, it shall be done for them, said 
our Lord, by my Father ; for " where two or three are met to- 
gether in my name, there am 1 in the midst of them." The dis- 
couraged and mournful ones were exhorted to keep the faith, 
and to struggle on, and they will be helped, and see of the tra- 
vail of their soul. I thought the hearts of some were comfort- 
ed; and the meeting was closed with prayer for Divine support 



516 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

and preservation ; and for the renewal of the faith of the lowly 
ones ; and for the dear young people, that the Lord would visit 
them by his blessed Spirit, and defend them from the power of 
temptation ; that there may be a band raised up to support our 
principles and testimonies. 

We dined with two Friends who had removed from Ohio and 
now lived near this meeting; and in the afternoon were con- 
ducted to L. D.'s, near Georgetown. 

26th. This morning we set out on our lonely journey across 
the State of Illinois, and were shown over some prairie land to 
the western road, at Butler's Point, by L. D. ; where we parted 
from him, and pursued the most open track. Through the 
morning, we got along pleasantly ; the road being generally 
plain and good ; dined at a poor tavern, in a village called Ho- 
mer. After giving the horses proper rest, rode through a strip 
of woods; crossed the Big Yermillion Creek twice, once on a 
bridge and once we forded it ; and in the prairie, which we then 
entered, we had several sloughs to go through, where the draft 
is hard for the horses. When coming to those soft, muddy 
places, it is usual to turn towards the head of the marsh, and 
drive on the high grass, which keeps the carriage and horses 
from miring ; and thus they get round the deepest and most 
swampy part. This seemed very uncertain work to us, being 
entire strangers to such travelling ; in a boggy country, where 
we cannot discover to what depth we may sink ; and where, at 
times, the horses had to put forth great effort to draw us 
through. After crossing that piece of prairie, we stopped at 
the first house; and while there, a man came up with a cart 
and pair of oxen, and soon inquired how we had got through 
the sloughs; saying, he supposed that he had drawn with his 
oxen, fifty vehicles out of them, this spring. We were not 
aware of our danger of being set fast, this being our first day's 
travel alone there. Going on our way, we felt our lonely situ- 
ation, exposed to difficulties, when no house might be within 
several miles ; but endeavored to do the best we could, and put 
our trust in our Heavenly Father; in the belief we were in the 
way of our duty, and He would enable us to go through. Beach- 
ed Arbana by sundown, having ridden about thirty-seven miles; 
and put up at a good tavern ; kept by an Ohio man, who treated 
us respectfully, and provided well for us. 

27th. We left soon after breakfast; at once entering a prai- 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 517 

ne, in which the road was good ; forded the Sangamon Creek, 
at a piece of woods; a clear beautiful stream. On coming out 
of the timber, we entered a prairie, said to be fourteen miles 
over ; which, in some directions was like looking over an ocean 
of grass; nothing to be seen in the horizon. We made slow 
progress ; some of the surface being rolling, and others marshy, 
which we crossed, with considerable effort on the part of the 
horses ; and a little after twelve o'clock, reached an inn on the 
western edge of the prairie ; a good deal overcome with the 
heat. By driving slowly the horses bore it very well ; but the 
sun shining with great fervor, and it being first-day, we were 
best satisfied to remain at the tavern, until the next day, which 
would afford us rest. 

It was distressing to find the low condition of many, in rela- 
tion to their religious and moral obligations. Foolish jesting 
and idle conversation fill up much of their time. They are idle 
in their habits and disregard the duty of public worship. To be 
compelled to mingle with persons of little education, and rather 
low standing in other respects, is a trial we have to submit to, 
in some of these places of public entertainment ; and it requires 
care to avoid joining in with their frothy conversation, or in any 
way strengthening them, in their irreligious feelings and habits. 
Our sobriety, at least, should bear a testimony to the excellency 
of our holy, undefiled religion, and against their loose spirits 
and practices. 

28th. Eose pretty early, and got our landlord to take his 
horse and lead us round through the grass, where there was no 
road, to avoid getting swamped in some bad sloughs, which, he 
told us, lay between his house and the next village. It was 
quite a relief, and we got to breakfast at Le Roi, thirteen miles ; 
dined at Eloomington, and supped and lodged at Concord, forty- 
one miles altogether; a poor place for entertainment. Here we 
made inquiry of two men, at which ferry on the Illinois River 
we had better cross; but they differed in opinion; both, how- 
ever, giving very discouraging accounts of the state of the roads 
near the river, so that we were much at a loss to decide. 

29th. Rain fell in the night, and the road was muddy, and 
the morning very dull. Rode to Lilly's, six miles,, and roused 
them up. to get us breakfast. Dined at Groveland, where we 
met with a young man who had crossed the Illinois River this 
morning, and who gave us an accurate description of the course 
34 



6"i8 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

we must take, when coming in sight of the river. After dining, 
we travelled about eight miles to a bridge, which had been 
partly swept away by a great flood this spring ; and had we not 
been furnished with explicit directions, it did not appear pro- 
bable, we should have driven safely through the terrible sloughs, 
or avoided the impassable places ; in which we were told travel- 
lers .had become swamped, and broken their carriages ; from 
whom, exorbitant sums had been extorted, by men concealed 
there, to be called on in such emergencies. When we arrived 
there, we saw horses saddled, and wagons standing, but no one 
in view except a boy, looking out of the bushes, as though he 
had been placed there to watch if any one should get into diffi- 
culty. It seemed like wreckers looking out for plunder ; and I 
considered it providential, we had met with a person who could 
direct us how to act, so that we were enabled to follow a track, 
which took us safely through, though in miry and deep holes, 
and led to the water edge ; and that we reached the boat safely, 
after driving into the river perhaps sixty or one hundred feet. 
"We landed at Peoria; rode through the town, and obtaining 
directions, got to a brick tavern, six miles farther on, where we 
were pretty comfortably entertained. 

30th. Set out about half-past four in the morning, and break- 
fasted at Travoli, twelve miles; dined at Fairview, sixteen 
miles ; the road wet, and in some places Cut into deep holes. 
Eode eight miles to Spoon Eiver ; crossed it* in a flat, which 
was short for the wagon and horses; but we got over safely. 
The ferrymen on these rivers are mostly rude and profane. It 
was affecting to hear their bad language; giving the impres- 
sion, that they are regardless of religion, and the necessity of 
the work of salvation. Eode to a place called Yirgil, about five 
miles ; where we were pretty comfortably accommodated. 

31st. Set out early this morning with the assurance that the 
road was good ; but we found it far otherwise. The small bridges 
were in bad condition, and many of the marshy places were 
difficult for the horses to draw through. On a prairie ten miles 
over, there was a space two miles wide, we were told, very 
much covered with water, and no road visible in many places, 
so that we could not be certain we were in the right track; but, 
by the compass, we kept a west course, and finally got through 
the swampy ground, into a plain road, much to our relief. We 
procured tea and bread and meat, at one of the log cabins on the 



1851. J JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 519 

prairie, but were so long detained, that we did not reach La 
Harpe, until near supper time. We met two carriages, just as 
we entered the swamp, and asking the men what kind of road 
ahead, they replied, As bad as it can be. Our horses had a 
hard draft, through the mud and high grass ; and if any acci- 
dent had happened us, we should have been in great difficulty, 
as there was no house within several miles. It was cause of 
gratitude, that we were favored to escape in safety, from such a 
dreary place; where we could not see what we were driving 
into, whether holes or inextricable sloughs. Lodged at La 
Harpe. 

Eighth month 1st. Eose early and got to Pontousac, four- 
teen miles ; on the river Mississippi ; where we were furnished 
with a good breakfast, and then rode six miles to the ferry op- 
posite Fort Madison, in Iowa. The ferrymen detained us seve- 
ral hours, on the bank, waiting their time to cross the great 
stream. We regretted the loss of time, as we wanted to reach 
a settlement of Friends this afternoon, but could not ; and, get- 
ting directions in Madison, we went five miles to a farmer's, and 
found some difficulty in prevailing on the people to take us in ; 
we supposed from w T hat passed, on account of the cholera, of 
which, we were informed, there had been several deaths in 
Madison ; but finally they consented; and except the lodging, we 
were made pretty comfortable. 

2d. After breakfast we travelled about eighteen miles to J. B. 
H.'s, at East Grove, and put up with him and his wife, who were 
truly kind to us. 

3d. Being first-day we attended New Garden meeting, four 
miles distant, in the morning ; where we met with some Canada 
Friends at whose house we had staid when in that country. 
They were truly glad to see us in this western land. O. S., an 
elderly man, also from Canada, but now belonging to Salem, was 
here, and said a little after me; enforcing the doctrines delivered. 
In the afternoon had an appointed meeting at East Grove. In 
both these holy help was extended, enabling me to preach the 
Word to the people ; several of whom showed their unity, by 
the cordial manner of greeting us after the opportunities. 

4th. Rode to Salem ; where our horses were left, in order to 
rest and recruit ; one having been lamed. Others w T ere attached 
to our carriage, and J. P. drove us out to Chestnut Hill, where 
we had an appointed meeting ; to which was brought the largest 



520 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1851. 



number of infants that I think I ever saw in a meeting of the 
same size. Eeturned to Salem and lodged at J. H.'s. 

5th. We were taken out to Cedar Meeting, which was a large 
company, who sat in a sober manner j but I felt for a long time 
as if we might hold the meeting in silence ; remembering the 
advice of the apostle, " That they should seek the Lord, if haply 
they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not 
far from every one of us ; for in Him we live, and move, and have 
our being." The way was finally opened, for showing that 
this was the object of our thus assembling together ; not to de- 
liver lectures, nor to hear them delivered ; for no man can do 
anything to promote his own salvation, or that of others, inde- 
pendent of Divine aid. Our business is to gather to Christ, that 
we may know Him to minister to our condition. Afterwards the 
necessity of the new birth was opened, and of being clothed with 
the righteousness of Christ ; which He brings forth in us by the 
effectual workings of his Spirit; and of our final, complete jus- 
tification by the washing away and pardoning of our sins by his 
blood. The effect of the doctrines preached, must be left to 
the Lord; but I believe there were those present who drank 
in and united with them. Dined at S. H.'s, near the meeting- 
house, and after a religious opportunity with his family and 
some others, we rode to J. P.'s, who resides about half a mile 
out of Salem. 

6th. This morning a Friend attached his horses to our car- 
riage, and set out with us for Richland ; which is about thirty- 
five miles northwesterly from Salem. When about eight miles 
short of the town, he drove into a deep prairie slough, of tough, 
black mud, nearly up to the hubs of the front wheels, and in 
endeavoring to draw it out, the force of the horses broke one of 
the swingletrees, without removing the carriage from the slough. 
We then fastened a rope and straps to the axletree, and hitched 
the traces to them, and had the horses been true to the draft, 
they would, we thought, have drawn it out ; but they threw 
themselves into another hole, and finally broke the tongue. It 
was mortifying, after having travelled so many hundred miles, 
without any material difficulty, to have our carriage thus bro- 
ken ; and to be placed where we could not extricate ourselves ; 
about three miles from any house, and evening coming upon 
us. Had not a man and his wife, the latter a Friend, whom 
we had seen at Cedar, come in sight, we must have been 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 521 

obliged to leave our carriage, and walk a considerable distance, 
before getting under any roof. Their coming seemed quite provi- 
dential, as they had intended to remain two or three days on a 
visit to their friends ; but the wife mentioning to her husband a 
desire to be at their Monthly Meeting, he assented to it, and 
they set out the same day with ourselves. He secured our car- 
riage to the hind axletree of his wagon, and having good horses, 
when we had pried up the wheels, to loosen them from the mud, 
they drew the carriage out with ease. The Friend with us 
mounted one of his horses, Joseph got into the wagon, and I 
was seated in our carriage, and between nine and ten o'clock we 
reached J. H.'s. It was cause of gratitude to our Heavenly 
Father that we were thus brought safely to the house of kind 
friends. We expressed our gratitude to the man, and our de- 
sire to compensate him, but he was glad to be the means of ren- 
dering us such acceptable service. 

7thr. Attended Eichland Monthly Meeting, which had been 
lately established as a Monthly Meeting, and was a pretty large 
company. I felt low and discouraged ; far from home, and among 
strangers of various character; but after a woman Friend had 
spoken, the language was brought before me, " The foundation 
of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them 
that are his ;" and waiting in fear before Him, I believed it right 
to revive it, and to show that whatever may be the trials of the 
faithful, those who are built on this foundation, are known of 
the Lord, and will experience his sustaining power to be under- 
neath. I had to treat on the importance of keeping with Christ 
in his temptations ; being willing to suffer with Him, as the 
Seed in the hearts of the children of men, both for our own 
humiliation, and for the sake of others. I believe the humbling 
power of Christ was over the meeting, and touched the hearts 
of some. Friends conducted their business in a solid manner, 
which was a comfort to me, as they had held but few meetings 
before; having been set off from Pleasant Plain. We staid 
another night at J. H.'s. 

8th. Notice having been given for a meeting at Eocky Run, 
four miles distant, to be held at nine o'clock ; and our carriage 
being repaired, we set off and had a satisfactory time with 
Friends and others, who met there ; chiefly in the way of en- 
couraging the sincere ones, to be faithful to their Lord ; by which 
they would prove that godliness is profitable to all things, 



522 "journal of william evans. [1851. 

having promise of the life that now is, and of tiat which is to 
come ; keeping the duties of religion uppermost, and the things 
of the world in their proper place. Here substantial happiness 
is enjoyed, by walking with God in this life, and when the end 
comes, the full fruition of it in the world to come. "Went to a 
Friend's house near by, where we were comforted with the ap- 
pearance of the children, and a feeling of peacefulness. After 
leaving we rode to Pleasant Plain, over a rough road, washed 
in many places, and attended a Select Preparative Meeting. 
Went to J. A.'s ; a pleasant stopping place. 

9th. Attended Pleasant Plain Monthly Meeting, throughout 
which I was silent, until just at the close of that for business. 
The Friends where we lodged treated us very kindly, and we 
felt it a comfort to be thus cared for, when far from home. 

10th. We went to meeting this morning. I endeavored to 
keep inward, with my eye to the Lord alone, and after some si- 
lence, the expressions of our Lord in his address to the Father 
were presented to my mind : " And this is life eternal, that 
they might knowthee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom 
thou hast sent," attended by the impression to rise with them; 
and I was enabled to preach the gospel in Divine authority; 
that this saving knowledge of God and of his dear Son, is only 
received through the revelation and operation of his Spirit, in 
the heart of man. Our Lord declared that, "Except a man be 
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." No one can 
give himself a true sense and sight of his condition, as he stands 
in the fall. It is the Lord from heaven, the quickening Spirit, 
who is the resurrection and the life, that alone can quicken man, 
and make him rightly feel his lost and sinful state. As man 
submits to Him, He opens the blind eye, enabling him to see 
himself in the true light ; gives him the power to turn from sin ; 
to repent of his past evil deeds ; destroys the kingdom of Satan 
in him, and sets up his own everlasting kingdom in place of it. 
It is thus man is brought to see the kingdom of God, being made a 
new creature ; old things are done away, and all things are made 
new. The new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwelleth 
righteousness, are brought forth in him. In this heart-changing 
work, he livingly knows God and Christ, by the powerfully re- 
deeming and sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit. This is 
the knowledge that is life eternal to the soul. Some of the ex- 
ercises which the redeemed soul passes through, in its heavenly 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 523 

pilgrimage were further opened; and the meeting closed with 
humble, reverent prayer to the Lord, for his continued mercy 
and preservation, in the trials to which we are subjected, and 
wherein Satan seeks to destroy the blessed work which the Lord 
had begun in us. It was a solid time; and we returned to our 
lodgings, humbled and thankful that the Lord had owned his 
cause. 

11th. Before leaving our comfortable sojourning place, we 
had a little opportunity with the parents and children ; in which 
they were reminded, that here we have no continuing city, and 
of the importance of seeking one that is to come ; laying up 
treasure in heaven. The children were entreated to mind the 
convictions of the Spirit of Christ, that they may be preserved 
from temptation, and become what the Lord would have them 
to be; and in conclusion, with tender feelings, I was led to ex- 
press the desire, that the blessing which makes truly rich, may 
rest on the heads of the parents, and upon their beloved off- 
spring ; which had a melting effect on all of us. After taking 
an affectionate leave, we set off for Salem ; where we arrived in 
the latter part of the afternoon, some parts of the road being 
very bad. It was pleasant to take up our residence again at 
our friend J. P.'s. 



CHAPTEE XXVI. 
1851. 

Continuation of Visit in Iowa, &c. 

1851, Eighth month 12th. Was held a Select Preparative 
Meeting at this place ; in which I was drawn to speak of the 
authority and qualification for true gospel ministry. That every 
one who had received the gift, was to speak as the oracles of 
God, and to minister the same in the ability that God giveth ; and 
no man taketh this honor unto himself, except he be called of 
God, as was Aaron. 

13th. Attended the Monthly Meeting here, in which I was 
silent, except a few remarks in that for discipline. 



524 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

14th. Went to East Grove Monthly Meeting ; the forepart of 
which was silent. In the latter, I said a little on home educa- 
tion — the necessity of restraining the children from wrong things. 
When the meeting had gone through the business, I was led to 
hold forth the language of encouragement to some exercised 
ones ; and to persuade those who had not submitted to the re- 
straints of the cross, to yield to Him who is represented as 
a refiner's fire and as a fuller with soap, that they may partake 
of the blessed result, as described in the prophetic address: 
"Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God. Speak 
ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare 
is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath re- 
ceived of the Lord's hand, double for all her sins." 

Dined at J. D. H.'s, with a considerable number of Friends, 
and in the afternoon rode to J. T.'s, at New Garden, who had 
accompanied us to Eichland and Pleasant Plain. 

15th. Eeturned to Salem, and attended the Quarterly Meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders, in which I was silent. 

16th. Went into the town, and was at the Quarterly Meet- 
ing, which was large. After a season of silent waiting, and 
several had spoken, the simplicity of the means which the Lord 
makes use of, to carry on his purposes, was presented to my 
mind, and though clothed with weakness, and my faith low, I 
believed it right to stand up, and say what the Lord furnished 
me with. The simple means by which the leprosy of Naaman 
was cleansed, and the clay by which the blind man's sight was 
restored, were brought to view ; and that without obedience to 
the command given in those cases, neither the leprosy nor the 
blindness would have been removed. So in the work of grace 
in the heart, obedience to the little requirings of the Holy 
Spirit must be yielded, or we cannot be cleansed from the 
leprosy of sin, or receive spiritual sight to discern our fallen 
condition, and the way out of it. Submission to the washing 
of regeneration is indispensable to the salvation of the soul, 
and without it we cannot be prepared for usefulness in the 
church of Christ. We must be changed men ourselves, before 
we are prepared to aid in changing others. Divine kindness 
was extended, enabling me to open some things, relating to the 
efficacy and spirituality of the gospel, and the way by which 
alone we can be partakers of it. The meeting sat about six 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 525 

hours, which was rather wearing; we returned to our lodgings 
and rested. 

17th. Being first-day, many, not members, came to the meet- 
ing, which was large. Several spoke pretty early. A feeling 
of sympathy with the honest-hearted, exercised ones, and with 
those who have outward trials, was brought over me ; and I 
was led to remind Friends, that our Saviour did not promise his 
disciples freedom from suffering in this state of being ; but He 
said to them, " In the world ye shall have tribulation ; but be 
of good cheer, I have overcome the world." It may be safely 
inferred, that He designed to encourage them to believe, that as 
they persevered in following Him, they also should be made 
overcomers, through his Spirit and power. It was a season of 
mercy, in which help was renewed, to open many things per- 
taining to the faith and patience of the christian ; for which I 
was humbly thankful, and the meeting closed under a solemn 
feeling ; many Friends showing their unity in taking leave of us. 

In the afternoon, we attended a meeting here, appointed for 
the young people, by a stranger. Eeturned to our quarters, 
took an affectionate farewell of our kind friends J. P. and wife, 
and rode to S. H.'s, on our way to Cedar County. 

18th. Eode forty-two miles, and put up at a house of private 
entertainment. 

19th. We were up pretty early, and drove to a poor tavern 
to breakfast. The landlady offered as an excuse for her provi- 
sion, that a large number of Indians passed that way, a short 
time before, and consumed nearly all they had in the house. 
On setting out, two carriages in company with us, we were told 
the road to Iowa City was good ; but to us it was very disagree- 
able. We drove through ponds of water, out of one of which 
it was with great effort our horses drew us and the carriage, 
slipping and falling, as they attempted to rise up on the banks, 
which was alarming. The sloughs were wet and numerous; 
but we got safely through. Dined at a Friend's house at Iowa 
City; which has a few brick houses, but is located where it is 
difficult to foresee how it will ever rise to much magnitude. It 
is, however, remarkable, that so much progress has been made in 
some towns in this new State, as we have found. To-day we rode 
about forty miles, and put up near where Friends hold their meet- 
ing. The residences of the settlers in this place, scattered over 
prairie land, are chiefly log buildings; the settlement being 



526 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851 

several miles in extent. In the summer season, while the grass 
is green, the country, with the cabins and little surrounding im- 
provements dotted over it, has a picturesque appearance ; yet 
to a stranger, it gives a sensation of lonesomeness. 

Whether it has been the design of Divine Providence, that 
Friends should be pioneers in the settlement of new States is, 
on some accounts, doubtful to me ; persons, who generally take 
the lead, being often of the description which need the care of 
religious society, instead of being really qualified to set up and 
hold meetings, to the honor of Truth. Yet there have been in- 
stances, of meetings being gradually collected and settled by 
Friends of religious experience, which have prospered. In 
some places, it is to be feared, that the spirit of discernment has 
been wanting, and persons have been acknowledged as ministers, 
who have not had the gift bestowed upon them. These have 
fed the people with words, that have not been with the Spirit, 
and with the understanding also ; and thereby, that which ought 
to be slain, has been fed and kept alive ; and the people loving 
to have it so, they have exalted and idolized such preachers, to 
their great hurt, and the injury of the flock. What a deplor- 
able effect has this had upon the Meetings, and how different from 
the heart-searching and baptizing ministry that has been known 
in parts of our Society. 

20th. Attended Eed Cedar Meeting, composed of middle- 
aged and young people, settled here within a few years. I did 
not feel that exercise among them, so generally, as might have 
been expected from those, whose living and habits are simple. 
There were some, w^ho, I believe, are under a religious concern 
for themselves, and the cause we profess to be called to uphold; 
but they want fathers and mothers to take them by the hand; 
and unless great watchfulness is maintained, will be in danger 
from the snares which may be placed in their way. I had some 
service, but it did not yield the relief experienced in some places, 
yet hoped it was from the right source. We went to S. S.'s, 
and dined, with whom we had comfortable feelings, from the 
persuasion they were honest-hearted Friends. In the afternoon, 
he and M. O., set out with us as pilots, and to aid us on our way 
to and beyond the Mississippi. We rode twelve miles, and put 
up at a tavern, near Cedar River. 

21st. Crossed the river in a flat; the owner of the ferry was 
not willing to take any fare from us; we went to J. C.'s, to 



1851.] journal or William evans„* 527 

breakfast, about eight miles. Just before leaving them, we had 
a little opportunity with him and his wife, to press on them the 
necessity of attending to the great business of life, the salvation 
of their own souls; and to bring up their children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord. Eode to Muscatine, a town on the 
bank of the Mississippi, where we crossed the river. We found 
the road and bridges, along the flat bottoms on the east side of 
the river, had been torn up by recent freshets ; and though some- 
what repaired, it was disagreeable travelling on them, and we 
were disappointed in finding the road so obscure as it was in 
some places. We got dinner at a private house in the prairies, 
and as soon as it was suitable, went on for Millersburg, which 
proved to be about six miles further than stated to be on some 
of the sign-boards. Towards evening we came to a creek, where 
the bridge had been swept away, by a fall of rain ten days be- 
fore, causing a terrible freshet ; and turning back, we got a boy 
to show us where they forded the stream. We succeeded in 
driving through, and up on the bluff, where a temporary road 
turned so abruptly among the timber, that it was difficult to 
drive, and we did not reach Millersburg until dusk; where we 
had to put up at a mean tavern, with poor accommodations; the 
fare for the horses, and supper and lodgings for ourselves, being 
hardly bearable. 

22d. Hose pretty early, but were detained in getting shoes 
on one of the horses; breakfasted at a farmer's, five miles on 
the way. Set out under some discouragement, from the ac- 
counts we had of the streams, and rode five miles round, to cross 
on a bridge over Edwards Creek. Forded Pope Creek, where 
it was difficult for the horses to rise up the bank out of it, and 
about noon reached a dining place ; where we got further in- 
structions respecting the road. We had many sloughs to pass, 
and after riding about two miles, were detained nearly an hour, 
while one of the company went in search of a private bridge, 
over which to cross a stream, in our course. Towards sunset, 
we reached a brick farm house, in the edge of a wide prairie, 
and put up for the night ; being weary with riding, and the 
anxiety produced by the many disagreeable, miry places ; from 
which the horses, when they find themselves sinking, spring for- 
ward, as if they would break the carriage or harness. The 
people here were kind, and made us welcome and comfortable ; 



528 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

and the head of the family appeared to be better informed than 
most we meet with in this new country. 

23d. When breakfast was prepared, our host told us it was 
their practice to have family devotion or prayers, but perhaps 
it would delay us too long. We made no reply, not wishing to 
interfere. He got the bible, and read a chapter in the Revela- 
tions, in which it is said, they that keep his commandments, 
shall enter in through the gates into the city. When he stopped, 
I felt engaged to express my approbation of the practice of 
reading the Holy Scriptures, but that it was also necessary to put 
in practice the commands contained in them. That although 
we had not as great measure of the Holy Spirit, as the prophets 
and apostles, who wrote them, yet the same spirit that inspired 
them to write, was given to us, to teach us to deny ungodliness, 
and the world's lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly, 
in this present world. I desired the parents might remember, 
that here we have no continuing city, and the importance of 
walking in the fear of Almighty God ; setting their children an 
example of holiness; and that they might come under the gov- 
ernment of their Saviour. That they should keep his commands, 
as made known in their hearts; and when the end of all things 
here arrived to them, the fear of death would be taken away, 
and through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, the gates into 
that glorious city, and the arms of everlasting Love, would be 
open to them. When I closed, the old man said, "Will you 
join us in prayer?" I answered, we believe it is our duty to 
pray continually, by the help of the Holy Spirit ; but we also 
believe it requires a special intimation of the Spirit, to place 
ourselves on our knees in vocal prayer. He made no reply, 
went on his knees, and the family with him ; but we kept our 
seats. 

In the course of his prayer, he petitioned that the lecture, as he 
termed it, might be blessed ; asked the aid of the Holy Spirit to 
enable them to resist temptation ; prayed for our preservation; 
and that if they and the straugers should not meet again in this 
world, we might meet in heaven to part no more. He appeared 
to be a man of some religious understanding. We sat down to 
breakfast, and he made some enquiry respecting the faith of 
Friends, particularly on the divinity of our Saviour ; to which 
I gave him answers; and we regretted that we had left all our 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 529 

tracts in Iowa, and so were not able to give him a printed ac- 
count of our principles. We parted with friendly feelings. 

Our faithful friends continuing with us, much to our comfort, 
we rode through Henderson to Knoxville, dined, and fed our 
horses. There the road being good and plain, so that there ap- 
peared no difficulty in getting on alone, we took an affectionate 
leave of them r and rode to Tucker's, a private house for enter- 
tainment of travellers ; where we obtained good lodgings. 

24th. After breakfasting, and receiving directions respect- 
ing the road, we travelled twenty-four miles, to another farm 
house, where they give entertainment. These people were 
from Pennsylvania. Thence we rode to Peoria, and crossed 
the Illinois Eiver, on the bridge that had been repaired; but 
the road through the bottom on the east side of the river, 
was still in a bad condition, so that it was difficult and unpleas- 
ant driving through it. Glad we were to be leaving it behind, 
and that the space between us and our beloved families was 
gradually narrowing. Eight miles from the river we put up for 
the night at Groveland. 

25th. Hearing that Mackinaw Eiver was raised, and could not 
be forded where we had passed it on our way out, we rode down 
the stream three miles round, to a miserable bridge, that looked 
ready to tumble down, and by twelve o'clock got to Concord, 
a cluster of half dozen houses, and dined. In the afternoon 
passed Bloomington, and reached Eishop's, a private house ; 
where we found good accommodations for ourselves and horses. 

26th. Eose early and went to Le Eoy, nine miles, to break- 
fast. The wind came out of the north, in the night, and it was 
cold riding this morning. Between breakfast and dinner, we 
crossed two wide prairies ; one fourteen miles, and the other 
eight or nine miles ; in which we had some large sloughs to 
pass ; which made travelling, in some places, disagreeable ; the 
water and mud under the wild grass being deep and laborious 
to the horses. Dined at a decent house near the Sangamon 
Eiver, and having eleven and a half miles to ride to Urbana, 
set off and got to our quarters before sundown. It was cheering 
to be brought safely back to the inn, where we lodged, the first 
night after beginning our prairie journey without pilot or com- 
pany. We were well received by the inn-keeper, who seemed 
anxious to please his customers. 

27th. We had forty miles to ride, in order to reach I. S.'s, 



530 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

and finding the sloughs a good deal dried, we pushed on, and 
got to his house by sundown. His valuable wife came out to us 
as we drove up before the door, saying, " I am glad to see you ;" 
I replied, "I am glad to hear thee say so — we are thankful for 
the kind reception of Friends, and that the Lord has brought 
us back safely thus far." 

28th. Being their week-day meeting, and fatigued with steady 
travelling, we concluded to rest with them until to-morrow 
morning. The meeting was not so large as when we were with 
them before ; but unexpectedly, it was a time of comfort and 
encouragement to the sincere travailers. 

"We dined at J. H.'s ; and in the afternoon went with I. S. 
and wife to their widowed daughter's, who resides with two 
little children on the prairie, about two miles from her pa- 
rents. Passed the afternoon peacefully, though under feelings 
of sadness, at the lonely situation of this young woman, who 
appeared to be an exemplary Friend. After taking tea, as we 
sat together, a word of sympathy and encouragement arose, 
and was handed to her. When we returned, we pleaded with 
the parents, to remember her lonely condition, and if way opened 
for it, to get her nearer to them before winter. But while we were 
at Bichmond, attending the Yearly Meeting, we were informed 
she had been attacked with disease, prevailing in that part of 
the country, and was removed, I trust, to a better world. It 
seems mournful, that such good examples, of whom we stand in 
great need, are taken from us by death, as they are apparently 
preparing for service in the church. Yet we are poor, short- 
sighted creatures, and know not what she and her friends may 
be spared, by her being gathered beyond the reach of tempta- 
tion and danger. 

29th. Before leaving these kind and hospitable Friends, this 
morning, for the east side of the Wabash Biver, the family sat 
down with us, and the Lord furnished me with matter for their 
different states ; so that we had a tendering time together, and 
parted under feelings of mutual, affectionate regard. Bode 
over to W. H.'s and dined, and on leaving, had to deliver some 
counsel to the parents and children. Then set out with him, as 
pilot, to S. A.'s, which we reached a little before evening, and 
remained there during next day ; needing a little rest and some 
^e-fitting. 

31st. Attended their first-day meeting; in which it seemed to 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 531 

me the life of religion was low, among many who made a show, 
and were active in some things of an outward nature. The 
necessity of partaking of spiritual food, and spiritual drink, and 
laboring for it individually, was brought before them, as that 
alone which can sustain and nourish up the soul unto everlast- 
ing life. There is great danger of relinquishing this labor for 
the bread which cometh down from heaven ; which the Son of 
Man only can give, and trusting in a mere acknowledgment of 
the truths of the gospel ; leading a life of morality ; reading a 
chapter in the Scriptures daily, and attending religious meet- 
ings. I felt distressed among them, and came away without 
feeling that there were many true travailers in the meeting. 
Dined at T. M.'s, who took us to D. N.'s, at Poplar Grove, where 
we had notice spread for a meeting on second-day. The Friends 
were kind, and entertained us heartily in their simple, comfort- 
able way. 

Ninth month 1st. The weather clear and very warm ; went 
to the meeting under feelings of depression. The company was 
about double the size of their usual meeting, and they sat very 
quietly. I felt drawn to stand up with the prayer of one for- 
merly: "Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of 
my days what it is, that I may know how frail I am," and I 
labored among them according to the ability received, endeav- 
oring to strengthen the sincere-hearted in faithfulness ; warning 
the young people of the dangers of evil company, and inviting 
them to receive the visitations of their Saviour, and to follow 
Him in the way of the cross. Eeturned to D. N.'s and dined; 
and in the afternoon he and his wife accompanied us to D. H.'s, at 
Eush Creek, which is a woody country, some parts of the road 
passing through the wilderness; in which we should not have 
supposed there were many persons settled. We forded Sugar 
Eiver, a little above the place where a Friend, a physician, was 
drowned a few weeks before, during a high freshet ; the river 
running with great force. We were kindly received by the Friend 
and his wife, and felt comfortable in spirit under their roof. 

2d. We had a meeting at Eush Creek, which was large. It 
seemed difficult to conceive where all the people came from, so 
much of the land being yet covered with timber. The warm 
weather relaxed me much, and feeling exceedingly empty, and 
my faith low, T was discouraged from attempting to engage in 
the work cf the ministry ; but I was constrained to stand up; 



532 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

many things were brought before me, and utterance given of 
matter I had not thought of; even to my admiration, and to the 
solemnizing and tendering of some present. So that I had 
reason to rejoice a little, in the midst of poverty, and the appre- 
hension that few have ears to hear, and hearts to understand ; 
but the testimony of Truth is to be borne under Divine au- 
thority, and left with them. We dined near the meeting-house, 
and then rode back over Sugar Eiver to N. N.'s, at Bloomfield, 
and put up. He told us he was in his eighty-fourth year, and 
when the notice of our intended meeting at Eush Creek came 
to him, he mounted his horse and rode seven miles to D. H.'s, 
and delivering it, returned home without taking dinner. On a 
previous occasion he delivered the notice for a meeting to an- 
other person to forward, and it miscarrying, he was determined 
to take this himself to the right place. 

3d. Attended the regular meeting at Bloomfield; in which I 
was much borne down with a lifeless, formal spirit, trusting in 
creaturely performances, and greatly neglecting the inward, 
spiritual work of religion. It appeared to me there was a dis- 
position in some, to despise the sanctification of the soul, by the 
cleansing, baptizing power of the Holy Spirit, and to adopt, in 
its place, a mere literal belief of the truths of Christianity, as 
explained by their own wisdom and learning ; and to lead people 
away from the hope of deriving the true and saving knowledge 
of Christ, by the operative power of his Spirit in the heart. 
That dark and subtle spirit was felt to be at work in this place, 
with great deceivableness ; and after speaking of the favor it 
is to have humble, lowly travailers preserved among us, who 
are brought to mourn over themselves and the degeneracy among 
us as a people, I was led and enabled to bring to view the de- 
ceivable workings of this spirit, and to contrast, with its erro- 
neous imaginations, the purity and powerful efficacy of the in- 
ward, regenerating religion of Christ, where He is received as 
the teacher, and feeder, and captain of his people. It is only 
in His school that we are livingly taught the truths of the gos- 
pel ; know them to be applied to our state by Him ; and receive 
from Him that faith which gives the victory, and by which we 
truly believe the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, and experi- 
ence Him to become our Saviour and Redeemer. It felt u> 
me there are those of our Society, who dislike this spiritual 
doctrine, and hold it in contempt. Such will turn aw T ay others 






1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 533 

from the truth, and if they persist, will fall themselves into in- 
creasing darkness. But the time will come, when the worm 
that dieth not, and the fire that is not quenched, will bring them 
into deep distress, unless they are favored to repent, and turn 
their back on all their delusions. 

Our carriage requiring some repair, we lodged the second 
night at 1ST. N.'s, and had some conversation with the old Friend ; 
in which he took occasion to express his fears, that changes were 
taking place, unfavorable to the support of the ancient views 
and practices, that prevailed among Friends in former times. 

4th. Set out early this morning to meet our kind friend, D. 
N., who had consented to pilot us over to Mill Creek. He was 
detained, and the weather being warm, and the road rough and 
hilly, we got on slowly, so as to be in the evening before we 
reached our lodgings. Just before dusk, one of our horses got 
a hind foot fast between two logs, on a rough bridge; which 
threw him down, and though he made two or three violent ef- 
forts to extricate it, which we feared would have broken his 
leg, we were obliged to hold him down, wjiile one pried the logs 
apart, before it was loosed ; and glad we were to find that he 
walked without limping. We were alarmed at the prospect of 
losing our valuable creature, and considered it a favor that he 
was not ruined. It occurred about half a mile from our friend 
A. H.'s, to whose house we led our horses, and he and D. ]ST. 
went back with his horses, and brought the carriage. It was a 
fatiguing day's journey of forty miles ; but being received with 
cordiality by our kind friend and his attentive daughters, we 
were refreshed and compensated for our wearisome travel. I 
mentioned my desire to hold a meeting at Mill Creek tomorrow, 
and our friend offered to go over at once to one or two members, 
and enlist them in spreading notice in the morning ; which 
showed his goodwill, as it had then become late in the evening. 

5th. We went to meeting. The query put to the children 
of Israel, was brought before me, "Your fathers, where are 
they ; and the prophets, do they live forever ?" I thought there 
was among them too little concern, that inward, spiritual wor- 
ship should be performed and maintained. I endeavored to do 
my duty ; but the feeling that rested upon me, respecting the 
low state of the meeting, was depressing. As we rode from it> 
I asked A. H. whether they had any minister or elder belonging 
to the meeting? He said none, except an old woman in the 
35 



534 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

station of elder, who lived part of her time here, and part within 
the limits, of a distant meeting; so that it might well be said, 
Your fathers and mothers, where are they? What a condition 
for a large meeting to be in? What have the young people 
around them, to animate them to make choice of true religion, 
and to come up in the footsteps of the flock of Christ's compan- 
ions? We dined at a Friend's house, about a mile towards our 
stopping place ; where we had the company of E. W. Hodson 
and wife, who belong to Spring Meeting. In the afternoon re- 
turned to A. H.'s, and lodged. 

6th. At Springtown, we were met by E. W. H., and went 
with him to their home ; dined, and in the afternoon, one of his 
sons piloted us over to West Union, about twelve miles, where 
we lodged. 

7th. Attended their meeting, which was large, being first- 
day. The subject of spiritual worship came before me, and 
rested on my mind some time, but I could not see my way clear 
to attempt any public communication. The meeting was con- 
tinued about the usual length of time, in silence, and I felt very 
peaceful in leaving it; with a heart clothed with love to the 
people ; trusting there was a reason for it, and that it would be 
a benefit in showing our testimony to spiritual, silent worship. 

Dined at a Friend's house, and went to Highland Meeting at 
three o'clock. Here I passed through some fear of speaking, 
or of keeping silence, from the suggestions of Satan, that there 
was not sufficient motion to speak ; which brought me into 
some conflict of spirit ; but finally I believed it right, to stand 
up, with the blessings pronounced by the Saviour, upon the 
poor in spirit ; upon the mourners, and those who hunger and 
thirst after righteousness ; and to show that they apply to the 
Lord's poor, those whom He. strips and empties ; who mourn 
over their condition ; and as they abide under his humbling, 
baptizing hand, will hunger and thirst after the bread and water 
of life. • These are very different from the rich and the full; 
full of their attainments and ability to judge and act for them- 
selves. The life rose into some dominion, and gospel truths 
were a little opened, I hope, to the benefit of some. We went 
to a Friend's, and lodged. 

8th. Had an appointed meeting at Bethel, a newly estab- 
lished meeting. The testimony that a man's life consisteth not 
in the abundance of that which he possesseth, was revived; 



1851.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 535 



neither doth the strength of a people, or a society, depend upon 
their numbers. There is no substantial peace or happiness, but 
in living and walking in the Truth j neither is there any other 
ground of strength in a religious body, but in living under the 
government of the blessed Head of the church. Here only are 
we preserved amidst the trials and temptations of time ; ena- 
bled to keep the outward blessings in their proper place, and to 
witness a growth and an establishment in Christ, the Shepherd, 
Bock and Foundation of his people, individually, and as his 
church. The dangers of being swallowed up in a worldly spirit, 
were plainly spoken to ; and the importance of being solid, 
grave, exemplary christians ; not light and frivolous, talking 
about trifling things, so as to turn the young people away from 
Christ, instead of drawing them to Him, when they are brought 
under his convicting power. Some appeared to be brought 
under religious feeling, and were tendered. 

9th. Had a meeting at White Lick, which was an unexpect- 
edly large company. The house is a brick building, put up to 
accommodate the Quarterly Meeting, and has a neat appear- 
ance, very creditable to the members. 

After a season of waiting upon the Lord, the temptations and 
dangers to which even the believer, who has attained to some 
steadfastness and experience in Christ, is exposed, — like stand- 
ing upon a sea of glass, mingled with fire, — were a little opened 
to their view. Though the Lord's tender mercies are over all 
his works, we cannot expect preservation without watchfulness 
and prayer, walking in lowliness of mind before Him. All self- 
sufficiency, and relying on past attainments, must be relinquish- 
ed, and a willingness lived in to be emptied and stripped, by 
Him who knows our infirmities, and what baptisms and reduc- 
tions are needful for our refinement and growth in Divine 
Grace. Some things relating to the work of regeneration and 
sanctification, were brought before them ; and the meeting w^as 
concluded with vocal prayer for Divine regard, and for the Lord's 
sustaining power in Our trials. 

Went back to our lodgings and dined. Just before we left, 
two Friends coming in, we fell into silence, and the departure 
of a large proportion of our members from that inward exercise 
for themselves and for the right support of the cause of Christ, 
which every one ought to experience, was alluded to ; and the 
desire expressed that those present might keep to it. Where 



536 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1851. 



are those travailing ones, the mourners in Zion, the burden- 
bearers among us ? Many seem not to understand the doctrine 
of regeneration, and daily suffering ; such a state of ease has 
come over us. A Friend, being provided for guide, we rode to 
A. B.'s, near Easton, and lodged. 

10th. Attended their usual meeting here ; in which I thought 
there were some who are sensible of poverty of spirit, and were 
longing for the appearance of their Lord, that they might par- 
take of the comfort of his presence, and see the prosperity of 
Truth spring forth among them. To these a word of encour- 
agement was held out. Eeturned to A. B.'s and dined. In the 
afternoon went to Fairfield, and held an appointed meeting, at 
half-past three o'clock. 

The company that came into the house was a mixed one, and 
unexpectedly large. The expressions of the prophet, " He hath 
shown thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord re- 
quire of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk hum- 
bly with thy God," came before me, and after endeavoring to 
try the fleece, I stood up with the passage. The opening of 
divers subjects to this mixed assembly was unexpected; and, I 
hope, that useful impressions were made on some minds. After 
the meeting, A. B. and wife took us to M. S.'s, at Sugar Grove ; 
whom we found an open, pleasant Friend, glad to have us at his 
house. The cordiality which this Friend manifested, was grate- 
ful to our feelings. 

11th. We were at Sugar Grove Preparative Meeting; in 
which the indispensable work of inward sanctification, and 
daily waiting upon the Lord, for strength and preservation, 
were enforced ; and the danger of relying upon a literal, or 
educational assent to the truths of the christian religion, with- 
out the inward work, was declared among them. I was fearful 
that some were too self-confident, and not acquainted with daily 
walking in the path of humility before the Lord. Eeturned to 
M. Stanley's, and dined. Before leaving, we had a religious 
opportunity with the parents and some of their children ; in 
which the sense of true fellowship was felt, I believe, on both 
sides. 

12th. Had an appointed meeting at Lick Branch, which 
filled the house. I labored among them in the love of the gos- 
pel, that they might experience an entire redemption from the 
world, its delights and treasure ; and was enabled to pray for 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 537 

old and young; that the Lord would renew his work m some of 
the former ; that they might be brought in, even at the eleventh 
hour of the day, and at last be favored with a true hope of ad- 
mission into his glorious kingdom in the end; and that the 
young people might be gathered from the many snares which 
surround them. 

We went home with D. W., an aged member, and dined. A 
son-in-law died in the house a few weeks before ; and on leaving 
them, I thought it my duty, to remind them that such a dispen- 
sation not only called the one from time to eternity, but should 
warn survivors of the business of life ; which is, to glorify their 
Creator, and to prepare for their solemn end. As we were to 
have no meeting to-morrow, and were expecting to find letters 
from home at Indianapolis, we concluded to ride there this af- 
ternoon, being about nine miles, and on a good road, and put 
up for the night at a suitable hotel ; a member of Eichland 
having agreed to meet us there next day, on his way home, and 
pilot us to the house of Z. C, residing at Eichland. To my great 
relief, I received letters, which gave information of the health 
of my dear wife and children, and strengthened me to try to 
hold on to the end of the service, as it might be required of me. 

13th. The Friend calling for us as he had engaged to do, we 
set out for Richland ; the road being very dusty and the wea- 
ther warm. About noon, we stopped on the bank of White 
River, fed our horses, and took some food, which the Friend and 
his wife had brought with them. We got to Z. C.'s, about the 
middle of the afternoon, being sixteen miles north of Indianap- 
olis ; and found him and his wife to be very kind and pleasant 
Friends. Two of the sons and their wives being there on a 
visit, and the house not large, we were afraid of incommoding 
them ; but where there is a willing heart, apparent difficulties 
can often be accommodated, and true enjoyment felt on all 
sides, which we proved to be the case here. 

14th. During the night the weather changed ; being cloudy 
and blustering, with lightning and distant thunder, so that the 
mercury in the thermometer fell many degrees. We concluded to 
have notice spread at Richland this morning, being first-day, of 
our intention to hold a meeting there, in the afternoon ; including 
Friends composing a small meeting recently set off from this, a 
few miles distant ; and at a suitable time, we left for Westfield, 
about five miles further north. ISTo notice being sent of our 



538 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

coming to this meeting, and the weather being chilling, it was 
less than usual, as we were informed. Endeavoring to cast my- 
self upon Him, who careth for us, He was, after a time of wait- 
ing, pleased to furnish with ability to preach the everlasting 
gospel ; showing the necessity and importance of being baptized 
into Christ, and witnessing the fellowship of his sufferings ; pre- 
paratory to rising with Him, into newness of life. Also plead- 
ing with the young people to take his yoke upon them, and 
learn of Him, who is meek and lowly of heart. 

We dined, on the way back, with two Friends; and E. E., a 
Friend from New Jersey, with whom I had been acquainted, 
belonging to this meeting, came with us. Then rode to Eieh- 
land, and attended the appointment there. The notice had 
drawn a large company, like a Quarterly Meeting. Unexpect- 
edly to myself, my gracious Master furnished fresh openings of 
divers subjects, relating to the change which He works by his 
power in the hearts of those who submit to Him ; and also the 
purity He requires, and clothes the soul with. Christ Jesus being 
the author and the finisher of the saints' faith, those w T ho have 
this faith and keep it, must be sanctified, and therefore holy 
men, freed from sin and the commission of sin. I was also fav- 
ored with the spirit of supplication for the sincere travailing 
ones and others. It was a good meeting; in which holy help 
was vouchsafed, and the spirits of many bowed and united to- 
gether. 

We were again pleasantly received at Z. C.'s ; and the follow- 
ing morning, at parting, a few words arose for the young, re- 
cently married couple, and for the parents, which tendered 
their spirits, and we took leave of each other in nearness of 
affection. 

A. H. having offered to accompany us, we rode to Indianapo- 
lis ; and about six miles further east, on the National road, we 
stopped at an inn, dined, and fed our horses. Towards evening 
we discovered that one of them was sick, and we were obliged to 
stop and take some measures for his relief. A little before dark, 
we got to a Friend's, at Westland, where we lodged. They 
made us comfortable, and appeared glad to have us with them. 

16th. Had an appointed meeting at this place. The com- 
pany was small, yet there seemed to me to be humble-minded 
ones among them, who were acquainted with the path that no 
fowl knoweth, which the vulture's eye hath not seen, but in 






1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 539 

■which the wayfaring man, though a fool as to worldly wisdom, 
shall not err, as the eye is kept single to the Shepherd and 
"Bishop of souls. We were piloted to S. P.'s, near Eaysville, ten 
miles ; where we felt ourselves heartily received ; he and his 
wife being open and free. 

17th. Attended Eaysville Preparative Meeting. In the first 
sitting, the great iuiportanceof inward, vital religion impressed 
my mind ; and the testimony of the apostle, that "He is not a 
Jew who is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision which 
is outward in the flesh ; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, 
and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in 
the letter, whose praise is not of men but of God," was revived ; 
and the hatred which Satan has to genuine Quakerism, as strik- 
ing at the root and fabric of his kingdom, was adverted to. He 
cares not by what means he can destroy us, and our religious 
profession. If he cannot induce those who hold it, to deny the 
principles with the tongue, but succeeds in drawing them into 
the friendships of the world, and the love of its profits and 
delights; and thereby they lose the inward life and power of 
godliness, it answers his purpose. Of this, there appeared to 
me, to be great danger ; the love of ease, and the flatteries of 
worldly men, lying so near the natural inclination ; which shrinks 
from the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and those dispensations 
which purge the branches, and keep them alive in the Vine. It 
was a season of rather close exercise ; and yet Divine love and 
fervent desire for my brethren and sisters covered my heart ; 
that we might all become more what the Lord would make us, 
were we entirely given up to Him. We dined at S. P.'s ; after 
which we were conducted to Carthage, where we put up for the 
night. 

18th. Attended the Preparative Meeting, held in a good 
house, at the south end of the village. It was not a large meet- 
ing; but I hoped there was a remnant of the suffering seed, who 
are acquainted with the hidden life ; keeping at the feet of 
Jesus, where they are instructed in the faith and patience of the 
saints. These are the salt among us ; and though the unregen- 
erate man, whose eyes are not anointed with the eye salve of 
the kingdom, cannot discern their safe abiding, yet it is in 
Christ ; and even the worldlings are compelled to confess to 
their firm and upright standing. The dear young people wero 
affectionately pleaded with, to bow to the yoke of Christ, and 



540 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

in the obedience of faith, serve Him ; that they may know Him 
to become the chief of ten thousands, and altogether lovely to 
their souls ; and He would qualify them for service in his church. 
I hoped it was a time of renewed visitation and encouragement 
to some. 

In the afternoon went to a Friend's near Pleasant "View Meet- 
ing-house, and had a meeting appointed to be held there to- 
morrow. This day it has felt as if my exercise in this Yearly 
Meeting was abating, and the work drawing to a close. "We 
were very kindly received by the Friends where we lodged ; who 
appeared to wish to make us feel comfortable with them. 

19th. We had a pretty good sized meeting, made up of a 
class which loves ease, in relation to the performance of religious 
duty, some unfaithful ones, and some who hold back through 
fear and diffidence. I was enabled to enter into their condition ; 
bringing to their notice the parable of the wedding feast of the 
king's son ; to which, though provided without expense or trouble 
to those who were invited, they refused to come ; pleading vari- 
ous excuses. So in this day, many neglect the offers of Divine 
regard, excusing themselves from obeying his requirings ; and 
thus they fail to be brought to the feast of fat things, and of 
wine well refined on the lees. Some on the ground of their un- 
fitness, desiring to put upon others what the Lord calls on them 
to do, and from this cause never come to the growth in Christ, 
and that standing in his church, they would be brought to, were 
they faithful in the day of small things. Here is one of the 
causes of weakness, and why our Society does not shine with 
that brightness it should appear in. There was a renewed call 
extended to some, old and young, to obey the drawings of the 
Saviour, that they may become servants and pillars in the Lord's 
house. The meeting closed with solemn supplication for their 
help and strength. It was a favored, good meeting ; in which 
holy help was extended to me, a poor creature, and for which I 
was humbly thankful. In the afternoon went to J. P.'s, at 
Walnut Eidge, who with his wife received us kindly. 

20th. We attended Walnut Eidge Monthly Meeting, held in 
a large building, near the Friend's dwelling. The company was 
very large for a Monthly Meeting ; and I was enabled to preach 
the gospel among them with good authority and weight ; and 
to encourage the tribulated traveller, to bear all the refin- 
ing dispensations of Him who knows what we need, and how 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 541 

to administer his baptisms for our purification ; by which we 
shall be fitted to bear fruit to the praise of the great Hus- 
bandman. Many Friends saluted us at the close of the meeting 
affectionately, who I believe were glad of our company. After 
dining, we rode to Kaysville ; where we stopped to see an afflicted 
woman. She was directed to look to the Saviour, who could 
show her her transgressions and shortcomings ; give her the 
gift of repentance, and blot out all her sins, as she gave herself 
into his hands. We then rode to S. P.'s, where we were kindly 
received by his wife and children. 

21st. Accompanied by these kind Friends, we set out and 
rode to a Friend's near the village of Spiceland, where my com- 
panion and I had lodged on our way out westward; who ap- 
peared pleased with our safe return to their habitation. We 
walked over to the meeting-house, standing at the west end of 
the town ; where we found some Friends and others collecting, 
it being first-day. When we were all seated, the company was 
quite large. I felt much emptied, and thought it might be my 
place to set an example of silence ; but after waiting a long 
time, the passage was revived, with an intimation to stand up 
with it : " The light of the body is the eye ; if, therefore, thine 
eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light ; but if 
thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If, 
therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that 
darkness?" The subject was gradually opened, and the Lord 
enabled me to warn some, of the danger of relying upon their 
own wisdom and understanding, substituting them for the guid- 
ance of the light of Christ in the heart ; by obedience to which 
alone, the work of regeneration and sanctification can be expe- 
rienced. Without this, all educational faith and knowledge ; 
all that man may do in his own strength, will avail nothing in 
the work of salvation. He may think to do good, by talking of 
the truths of the gospel, and making much display of them be- 
fore men; but without the inward, heart-changing work of Di- 
vine grace, all this will be no better than fig-leaf coverings ; our 
own righteousnesses, which are as filthy rags. All classes were 
encouraged to come under the operation of the Spirit of Christ 
in the heart, that they may know the work of salvation to be 
going on with the day. To the fathers and mothers in the 
Truth, the language of sympathy and consolation was addressed, 
with the expression of faith, that as they persevered in watch- 



542 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

fulness, the Lord's covenant with them would not be broken t 
but they would know preservation to the end. They would be 
made a blessing to the dear young people ; who were also ten- 
derly invited to take the yoke of Christ upon them, for which 
they would receive the reward of sweet peace, and never have 
cause to regret serving so gracious a Master. I thought it was 
a day of Divine condescension, and of unmerited favor to us, 
poor unworthy creatures. Eeturned to E. E.'s and dined, and 
in the afternoon he walked with us to the residence of our dear 
aged friends Wm. and Anne Hobbs, at the east end of the vil- 
lage ; with whom we took tea, and had a pleasant conversation. 
He appears to be an innocent-spiiited Friend; honestly con- 
cerned for the support of the good cause, and for the welfare of 
his brethren. As we came out of his d* or, the good old Friend 
said, "I am willing to say this much, I am glad thou hast been 
with us to-day." Though not very pointed, it was a comfort to 
have this testimony of approbation. 

22d. Notice having been sent to Eich Square, for a meeting 
to be held at three o'clock, in the afternoon, we rode there and 
dined ; and then went to the school-house, where they hold their 
meetings. We were told their meeting-house and school-house 
were burned down in the same night. Both buildings, now nearly 
finished, are very suitable for the respective purposes. I had 
some painful labor in the meeting, in endeavoring to awaken 
them to the danger of being swallowed up in worldly things, 
and in persuading them to turn to the Lord and to his service. 
The meeting was closed with supplication on their behalf and 
for ourselves. 

23d. Had an appointed meeting at Hopewell. I was im- 
pressed in this meeting with the great importance of an early, 
faithful dedication to the Lord ; such being often made instru- 
mental in quickening others to a serious consideration of their 
day's work, and by their solid example inciting them to engage 
in it. On the contrary, the neglect to mind the Divine requir- 
ings, clearly manifested to the soul, places a stumbling block be- 
fore others, and may turn aside visited ones from following their 
Lord. I feared much, there were those of this description pre- 
sent, whose prejudicial influence was closely spoken to ; and the 
great benefit pointed out, that dedicated servants and handmaids 
of the Lord are to their fellow members. The labor among 
them brought solemnity over the meeting, which I hoped might 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 543 

be useful. But we have to hope against our feelings, and leave 
it all to the Lord, after having endeavored to do the best we 
could. After dining, we were accompanied about eight miles to 
a Friend's house, on our way towards Fairfield Meeting. It 
was an agreeable lodging place; where we passed the evening 
in conversation, on the testimonies and discipline of the Society, 
and. other appropriate subjects. Two Friends were visiting 
there, who were young in the ministry ; intelligent and solid, 
and inward in spirit, which made the company interesting and 
cheering. 

24th. Went to Fairfield meeting. Being their usual week- 
day meeting, and no notice of our coming having been sent, the 
company consisted of eight or nine men and six or seven women, 
and it was rather a laborious time. 

25th. We were directed on our way to West Grove Meet- 
ing. The company that assembled there was small, no no- 
tice having been sent them of our intention to be present. A 
plain and unequivocal testimony against the habit of sleeping 
in meeting, was delivered among them ; in which they were re- 
minded of the fervor of blind Bartimeus to have his eyes opened, 
when he cried out to the Master, " Jesus, thou Son of David, have 
mercy on me." Were Ave livingly engaged in our religious 
meetings to wait upon, and cry unto Him, our eyes would be 
opened to see wondrous things in His law, and we should be 
raised above this drowsy spirit. 

27th. Being seventh-day, we attended the Monthly Meeting 
at Milton. I was enabled to labor with the young people, to 
induce them to give up in early life to the will of their Heav- 
enly Father, inwardly revealed in their hearts; by which alone 
they can be fitted for usefulness in the church, and experience 
a growth from stature to stature in the blessed Truth. 

28th. This morning, being first day, we attended Bethel 
Meeting. We sat with the company quite a long time before 
anything was said, when a woman Friend had a short commu- 
nication. I was engaged to draw Friends into an individual 
examination, whether the life and power of Christ reigned in 
them, that they might be made and kept branches of the living 
Yine, and by their spirits and example, show forth the efficacy 
of the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. I felt afraid the 
strong man had not come down into the state of a little child; 
but that some were judging and acting too much in their own 



544 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1851. 

wisdom and understanding, by which the Seed of the kingdom 
was borne down, and did not rise into dominion. 

29th. Eode down to Richmond, about sixteen miles, and put 
lip with Elijah Coffin. 

Tenth month 7th. Attended the Yearly Meeting held at this 
place, which I thought was not as large a company as when I 
was here before. Much time was consumed in discussing sub- 
jects in which the expenditure of money was concerned ; which 
has the effect to keep the attention occupied with outward 
things, instead of a travail of spirit for the welfare of the 
members, and the advancement of the cause of Christ, by a life 
of religious exercise, and showing forth the fruits of the Holy 
Spirit. So many concerns of an outward nature, all of which 
are reported upon, and long discussions entered into, it ap- 
peared to me, kept the mind so afloat, that the meeting did 
not experience that inward feeling after the solemnizing pre- 
. sence of the Head of the church, and the pointing of the Divine 
finger, which would give sound judgment, and tend to the edifi- 
cation of the body, in the life and power of the Holy Ghost. To 
get the great number of these subjects, with others of a different 
nature, disposed of, the business was crowded on the meeting. I 
wish not to judge uncharitably, but I did fear that the great object 
for which the church is brought together annually, is not, under 
these circumstances, as fully answered as it should be. There 
is some danger of such a Yearly Meeting becoming like a great 
philanthropic or benevolent association; and the minds of the 
members being much absorbed by these objects, as if they con- 
stituted the work of religion ; and by which the activity of the 
natural man may be substituted for the leadings and direction 
of the Head of the church. 

8th. Having sold our carriage, we left Richmond this morn- 
ing, in a stage for Hallo well, forty-two miles ; and then took 
the cars for Cincinnati, Ohio, which we reached a little after 
eight o'clock. 

9th. Arose about three o'clock, took a little breakfast, and 
were taken to the car office for Cleveland ; and about five o'clock 
got on our way, reached that town on Lake Erie, near that 
hour in the afternoon, and went on board the steamboat Ala- 
bama for Dunkirk. The evening and the lake were placid, the 
moon shining brightly, which afforded the prospect of a plea- 
sant passage ; and after taking supper, we soon retired to our 



1851.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 545 

berths, where I slept pretty well until daylight, and about five 
in the morning we found ourselves at Dunkirk. 

10th. Left this town at six o'clock, in tbe cars for Jersey 
City, on the North Eiver ; which we reached before twelve 
o'clock that night, being less than eighteen hours, travelling four 
hundred and sixty-nine miles on this road; in which time they 
allowed ten minutes each for breakfast and supper, and twenty 
minutes for dinner; making over twenty-five miles an hour 
throughout the whole route. It seemed a favor to get through 
without accident. Eetired to bed at the hotel, and rose next 
morning about five o'clock. 

11th. Took the Philadelphia cars, at six o'clock, and found 
ourselves at Camden, a little after eleven ; whence we crossed 
the Delaware, and I was soon embraced by my dear wife and 
children, with several other of our near connections, who were 
at my house; all of whom showed their joy to have me restored 
to them again, after a journey involving so many liabilities to 
accident and disease. 

Under a sense of the goodness and protection of the Lord, 
our holy Helper, in preserving us from dangers, furnishing 
ability from time to time, to do his will, and bringing us safely 
home to our dear families, gratitude many times warmed my 
heart ; with the desire to ascribe unto Him, thanksgivings and 
praise, and to bless his ever-adorable name. Many Friends 
greeted me very warmly on being restored to them. 

• At our Monthly Meeting, held in this month, and the Quar- 
terly Meeting, early in the Eleventh month, I returned the cer- 
tificates with which I had been furnished, for the western 
journey ; with the minutes of several Monthly and Quarterly 
Meetings of Indiana Yearly Meeting, expressing their satisfac- 
tion with the visit and services. 

Since getting home, I have passed through seasons of great 
stripping and desertion, which have been followed by the re- 
newal of Divine good, and some ability to testify to others, of 
the faithfulness of the Lord to his poor creature, in raising him 
up, and renewing his faith in his unchangeable power and' good- 
ness. In our evening meetings, this winter, we have had much 
solemnity and deep ingathering of spirit; and the gospel has 
been preached to the softening of the hearts of many, to whom 
I have no doubt, these opportunities have been beneficial, and 
it may be a permanent blessing to some. 



546 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. fl852. 

CHAPTEE XXVII. 

1852. 

Sources of Trial — Renewal of Religious Labors in different Meetings about 
Home — Yearly Meeting — Value of a right of Membership among Friends. 

1852, Second month. The present state of our religious 
Society has a strong opposing influence to the effectual work- 
ing of the measure of grace in every part of the body, to edify 
itself in love, and promote the real welfare of one another. Yet 
there is preserved a body of exercised members, who travail for 
the support of the cause of Truth, and for the gathering of the 
children to Christ Jesus, their Saviour and Shepherd. Our 
Quarterly Meeting for discipline, held this month, was very large, 
and comparatively but little was said in it. 

4th. Went to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, 
held at Germantown ; in which my wife and myself had some 
service. Next day we were at that for discipline, and were 
both engaged in the ministry, to encourage the sincere ones, and 
to warn those who had been divinely visited, but had grown in- 
different and neglectful of the all-important work of their day; 
the salvation of the soul, and their duties to the church and .to 
one another. 

25th. The proper holding of our approaching Yearly Meet- 
ing, is a subject of great weight; and, at times, it seemed as if 
I should be willing to be released, and gathered away from it. 
But the exercise must be borne by some, if the cause of Christ 
is upheld by our religious Society. When we consider the aw- 
fulness of eternity, and that we have individually a work to 
perform, we have need to resign ourselves unto the Divine hand, 
and ask of the Lord strength to endure our trials, and to follow 
him faithfully, so that the work and the wedding garment may 
be finished by the time the end comes. 

In looking at the divided state of Friends, I have had many 
thoughts on the subject of separation, talked of by some restless 
members. I have been fully convinced that Friends cannot go 
into separation, but they should patiently bear the difficulties 



1852.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 547 

which we have to encounter, and their testimony against the 
cause of division, as the Lord qualifies them. We have no right 
to break down the hedge which He has placed around us ; and 
if we stand firm, He will make his own cause victorious. Op- 
posing spirits will be removed, and a generation raised up, 
that will be enabled to exalt the glorious standard of gospel 
truth, and the christian testimonies we were and are called to 
spread in the earth. It appears to me to be a snare of the 
enemy, to divide and scatter, under the plausible plea of termi- 
nating our afflictions, but which would destroy our strength, 
and plunge us into inextricable difficulty. When another trial 
came, the same pretext would present, to divide again ; and 
thus our destruction as a religious body would be inevitable. 
The church is never more alive to the cause of its adorable 
Head, than when under suffering; and the present afflictions 
will be sanctified and made a blessing to us if we rightly profit 
by them. 

Third month 17th. Feeling my mind drawn to sit with 
Friends, I went to the North Meeting; where we had the com- 
pany of Hinchman Haines, who was a little engaged in the 
ministry, to comfort the discouraged ones. After him, I felt 
moved to utter the language of the prophet, " O thou afflicted, 
tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy 
stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 
And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of car- 
buncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones." "In a little 
wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with everlast- 
ing kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Ee- 
deemer ;" and to say, that under the clothing of peace, which 
had spread over my mind, from the early part of the meeting, 
I was prepared to bear testimony that our God is a God nigh at 
hand and not afar off; and that He who joined himself to his 
sorrowing disciples, after they had seen their Lord crucified, 
dead and buried, would also join himself to us, as we walked by 
the way, and would satisfy us, that it was He, and would sus- 
tain us by his power. 

29th. Eode with J. and H. Ehoads to Middletown, where we 
attended their Monthly Meeting. Encouragement was offered 
to trust in the Lord Jehovah, in whom there is everlasting 
strength. If every one was engaged to do his own work, 
witnessing the hewing and squaring by the Lord's hand, the 



548 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1852. 

unity and baptism of the Spirit into one body, would be knowi. 
more fully, and spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, would be 
offered through Jesus Christ our. Lord. And the true love and 
fellowship would prevail ; cheering and comforting one another 
in the work to which all are called. My dear wife was also 
engaged to call upon all to search whether the spirit of Christ 
dwells in them ; for if any man have not the spirit of Christ he 
is none of his. We may be contending for sound christian doc- 
trine, which is proper under Divine authority ; but the main 
thing — the one thing needful, is to know Christ to dwell in our 
hearts, ruling and reigning there ; putting off the old man with 
all his corrupt deeds, and clothing us with his heavenly nature. 

Fourth month 4th. My wife was enabled to hold forth a word 
of encouragement, this morning, to the tribulated members; 
and afterwards it seemed to be my duty, to bend the knee, and 
vocally implore the compassionate Shepherd, to remember 
mercy in the midst of judgment; to renew the faith of the 
fearful, disconsolate ones, and to defend his heritage from the 
attempts of the cruel enemy to destroy it. I hope we had a 
little renewed evidence that the Lord was with us, the meeting 
closing with much solemnity. 

6th. My exercises returned, on account of the approaching 
Yearly Meeting ; but as the meeting drew on, they abated, and 
hope, at times, sprang up, that Divine mercy would be extend- 
ed for our health and preservation. 

16th. Our Meeting for Sufferings convened and was held to 
our satisfaction. 

17th. The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held 
this morning; the number of strangers was not large. 

18th. Our meetings for worship, held at the Orange street 
house, were satisfactory, particularly that in the afternoon. It 
appeared to me to be a time of renewed visitation. The min- 
istry was sound and baptizing, which confirmed the hope that 
the Lord had not, and would not forsake us, if we kept faithful 
to Him. 

19th. Our Yearly Meeting was opened, I hope, under feelings 
of abasedness before the Lord; and the morning sitting was 
conducted with religious weight and dignity, giving reason to 
believe that we should be helped to get through safely. 

The replies to the Queries, brought Friends under much con- 
cern, particularly in regard to the neglect of our meetings for 



1852.1 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 519 

worship ; respecting which, a minute was made to go down to 
the Monthly Meetings. The reading of a circular epistle, ad- 
dressed by London Yearly Meeting to the Yearly Meetings in 
America, advising us to support the order and discipline of the 
Society, and to guard against separations, called out some re- 
marks. A minute was made of the reception of such an epistle. 

Deputations from North Carolina and Baltimore, selected from 
their conference committees, attended, with the Conference Ad- 
dress, and produced minutes of their authority to present it to 
our Yearly Meeting; which minutes were read, being direct from 
those [two] Yearly Meetings ; but the meeting declined reading 
a document prepared by committees of other Yearly Meetings, in 
which this meeting had decided not to participate. ~No other sub- 
ject created any discussion, attended with contrary sentiments ; 
and the meeting closed on sixth-day morning, under the most 
impressive silence and solemn feeling, that we have known for 
a long time. I believe that many hearts were bowed with grati- 
tude, and thankfulness to the Father of mercies, that his pre- 
serving power had been secretly extended, enabling us to trans- 
act the business in his fear, and with much harmony. 

Fifth month 16th. For the last two weeks 1 have been much 
shut up, as in a prison house. These are humiliating dispen- 
sations ; under which we are often unable to believe they are 
designed to purge the soul, and to prepare the creature to know 
the life preserved in the root; that when the Lord's month comes 
again, the tree that is of his planting, may bring forth fresh 
fruit to his praise. 

26th. Was held our Monthly Meeting, which had but little 
business. In the preceding sitting, I felt constrained to hold up 
the nature, source and object of true and saving faith. Christ 
being the author and the finisher of it, its nature, efficacy and 
object are the same in all ages, as set forth by the apostle in his 
epistle to the Hebrews; where he recites many acts and deliver- 
ances, experienced by prophets and holy men in ancient time. 

Sixth month 9th. The meeting of the general committee 
having the oversight of Westtown School, was very satisfactory ; 
a concern being revived, that this Seminary may continue to 
be conducted on the original ground, the religious, guarded 
education and control cf the children. It appears to be in a 
satisfactory state ; and Friends were much united, in the same 
religious exercise ; which comforted many present, who have 
36 



550 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1852. 



long had its welfare at heart; desiring that the simplicity and 
propriety which become our profession, may be steadily main- 
tained. I hoped it was a little token for good. The young 
members of the committee, lately introduced, were particularly 
interested and encouraged, by the solid covering with which we 
were favored, and the remarks of several Friends. We return- 
ed to the city in the afternoon. 

10th. Went to the Arch Street Meeting, at which a marriage 
was accomplished. I felt weak and low, and doubting whether 
I had better go. After sitting some time, I was forcibly im- 
pressed with the conviction that the right path for every one to 
walk in, is that which the Lord casts up for the ransomed and 
redeemed ones ; both as regards our movements among men, 
our worldly pursuits, and the religious duties we have to per- 
form in the Society. We may, at times, be enveloped as in 
clouds, but if we keep a single eye to the Lord, with sincere 
desire to be preserved from missing our way, light will, in his 
time, break forth out of obscurity, and our darkness become as 
the noon-day. I was also somewhat enlarged on the subject of 
steadfast faithfulness to the openings and leadings of the Holy 
Spirit; by which our faithful forefathers glorified God in their 
day, and knew Him to be their hope and confidence in the end ; 
and are now equal with the angels, praising the mercy and great 
name of their Saviour. My sister H. "Rhoads, followed in a strain 
of encouragement to the married couple, and to the young people 
generally. She believed the Son of Peace was with us, who ap- 
peared to the disciples, the doors being shut, and breathed peace 
upon them. My dear wife knelt in fervent supplication, especi- 
ally for those whose faith was often closely ])roved ; and the 
meeting was held and closed under a solemn covering, and the 
name of the Lord was secretly praised for the manifestation of 
his goodness, to his poor unworthy creatures. 

As I walked towards the door, a young man, a stranger, met 
me, and said to me, " The Lord spoke through you to-day." I 
making no reply, he asked if I was not the person who spoke? 
which I answered in the affirmative. He then added, he did 
not feel satisfied to leave the meeting, without bearing testi- 
mony to the Lord being with us ; we had the Holy Spirit with 
us this morning. I replied, that was the source of all true gos- 
pel ministry. It was encouraging to find that the heart of one, 
not professing with us, had been touched. If but one soul is 



1852.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 551 

helped and encouraged on its heavenly journey, we ought to be 
thankful, and humbled that we are made use of in the Divine 
hand in any way, whatever proving we may have to pass 
through. 

30th This morning a concern came over me, to go to the 
"Western Meeting. I felt calm and peaceful in sitting down 
among them. The sweetness and preciousness of the Truth 
came over me. to speak of. and to testify that the only way to 
grow in grace, and in the saving knowledge of our Lord and Sa- 
viour Jesus Christ, was by obedience to the manifestations of his 
Spirit in the heart. The subject of the inward work, the danger 
of turning back after being enlightened, and having made some 
sacrifices, and the certainty of being made victorious, through 
steadfastly following Christ, and the precious reward and Divine 
support and consolation which the obedient ones are blessed 
with, were opened. 

Seventh month 1st. S. B. M., being under appointment to 
attend Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, I felt inclined to accompany 
him ; and the Lord gave a word of encouragement to the little 
company who are striving to keep up that meeting. They were 
glad of our attendance, and were refreshed with the dew which 
tne Lord diffused over us. 

27th. Attended the Monthly Meeting of Frankford ; in which 
I was drawn to hold forth the language of encouragement; in 
the belief that there are young Friends, who are giving them- 
selves up to the Lord ; and who, if faithful, will be made shin- 
ing examples, and become as pillars in the Lord's house. 

Eighth month 11th. Our meeting, being fourth-day, was 
small, as they have been this summer, owing to many members 
haviug taken their residence in the country. The warmth of 
the weather seemed to produce a stupefying effect on some, so 
that towards the close I felt constrained to testify that however 
we may be tried with drowsiness, it is our duty to strive against 
it, through that Divine help, which will finally enable us to gain 
the ascendency, and will be extended, if we seek for it ; and then 
a qualification will be granted to praise the Lord for his regard 
to us in our weakness,- and that He had quickened us by his 
immediate power. 

15th. Many who attend our first-day morning meetings, seem 
to think it is a sufficient part of their time to devote to the wor- 
ship of their Almighty Creator, and our afternoon as well as 



552 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1852. 

mid-week meetings, are consequently small ; but there are those 
in every place who feel bound to keep them up, both for their 
own good, and the support of our testimony to the duty of public 
worship. 

17th. I went to the North Meeting, which was small. I was 
engaged to . bear testimony to the continued goodness of our 
Heavenly Father, in regarding his children, and defending them 
from the power of the enemy, under all the trials which He per- 
mits to assail them, as their eye and trust are directed to Him. 
Although some of the cups of suffering they partake of, are like 
the wormwood and the gall, and their souls recoil from them, 
when their faith seems ready to fail, yet in his tender mercy, He 
sees and secretly sustains them. When Elisha prayed the Lord 
to open the eyes of his servant, at the time the city was be- 
seiged, he saw the mountains full of chariots and horsemen, 
round about Elisha, so that those with the prophet, were dis- 
covered to be more than their enemies. The same invisible de- 
fence is still present with the Lord's church and people, though 
they may not always be able to behold it. 

19th. Attended the fifth-day meeting at Haddonfield, held 
in a new meeting-house ; one of the most neat, plain buildings 
for that purpose, that we have within our Yearly Meeting. 
The company was larger than I expected to see, and afforded 
encouragement to believe there was a power secretly at work, 
drawing the people to assemble for the solemn purpose of Divine 
worship. I was raised up in a close appeal to some, who were 
wasting time and talents in earthly pursuits, in which they 
could not find substantial settlement and peace of mind. Nothing 
can procure these but giving to the fire, those things that are 
for the fire, to the sword that which is for the sword, and to the 
hammer those things which are to be broken to pieces and re- 
moved, that a way may be made for the kingdom of the Son of 
God to be introduced and set up. Some might put on a fair 
outside, while they kept back that which is to be given up ; but, 
however they might deceive man, they could not conceal their 
condition from the Searcher of hearts. All the possessions and 
comforts, with which they surrounded themselves, would not 
yield the solid peace which Christ gives to his children. The 
young man who came to Christ, and enquired what he should 
do to inherit eternal life, went away sorrowful, when he was 
told to sell all that he had, and give to the poor, and come fol- 



1852.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 553 

low Him. He had great possessions, and loved them more than 
his Saviour, or his own salvation ; and we have no account that 
any other offer was made to him. 

But however some had turned their back upon the convict- 
ing power of Divine grace, and had no foundation to stand upon, 
the Lord, at seasons, brings them to feel their destitute condi- 
tion, and to look back at their waste of time, and their resist- 
ance of the Divine calls ; and now they were unable to command 
those feelings of tenderness which they once had, but hardness 
was coming over them, and the work of the soul's salvation not 
begun. They cannot repent of their transgressions when they 
please ; repentance and the power to amend our lives are both 
in the Divine hand. But I believed mercy was following them, 
and if they gave up to the Lord's call, though at the ninth or 
the eleventh hour, and went into the vineyard of their own 
hearts and labored faithfully, they would receive the penny at 
last, with others who had borne the burden and heat of the 
day ; and before the close, might be made examples and stand- 
ard-bearers to draw others to Christ. It was a good day. It 
was the Lord's work, my mind having been particularly drawn 
to attend that meeting. 

25th. Was held our Monthly Meeting ; by which my wife 
was furnished with a minute to attend Ohio Yearly Meeting. 

30th. My sister Hannah Ehoads, having her mind drawn to 
attend Ohio Yearly Meeting, was, with her husband, liberated 
by their Monthly Meeting, for the visit. They and S. and B. 
Nicholson came to the city this afternoon, and early the follow- 
ing morning, they, with my wife, met at the .depot, and I saw 
them comfortably seated in the car, and started for Pittsburg ; 
the weather being very fine for travelling. 

Mnth month 1st. Our meeting to-day was refreshing to me, 
under the belief that the Lord's tender mercies are round about 
us; and that He is secretly sustaining his children by his omni- 
potent arm. Many parts of the meeting were contriting to my 
spirit, and I thought it required of me to encourage Friends to 
faithfulness, and to keep their trust in the Lord's unfailing 
goodness, and also to keep near to one another in spirit. 

2d. Though I had a humbling view of myself, and fears of 
being mistaken in what I apprehended to be my duty, yet this 
morning, I went to the Arch Street Meeting, and sometime 
after Samuel Bettle, Sr., had delivered a short testimony, I felt 



554 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1852. 

engaged to speak to the states of those who had been often fa- 
vored with the visitations of Divine love, showing them their 
condition, and what the Lord required them to do or to leave 
undone ; but who, from negligence and disobedience, were sen- 
sible at times that they were not what they ought to be, and 
that the work of salvation was not going on in them. They 
were warned that the day of account was drawing on, and urged 
to examine what ground they have for hoping for acceptance, 
should they be called to appear before the judgment-seat of 
Christ in this condition. They profess to believe in Him, and 
hope for the forgiveness, and pardon of their sins, through his 
precious blood ; but it is those who live and walk in the light, as 
He is in the light, that experience his blood to cleanse them 
from all sin. Men may live what the world esteems moral 
lives, and yet be gratifying their own will and carnal propen- 
sities ; having their household idols, and their heart's beloveds, 
which they worship; but it is as their will is nailed to the 
cross, and the life they have in things which the Lord's contro- 
versy is with, is slain, and they baptized into death, that they 
can know Him, who is the resurrection and the life, to quicken 
their souls, and make them alive unto God. Those who were nei- 
ther cold nor hot, were warned of their danger; for He declared 
to a church formerly, that He would spew such out of his mouth. 
It is by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the 
Holy Ghost, that we can be prepared for communion with the 
Father of lights and spirits ; and to those who give up all, and 
seek Him daily, He condescends to manifest Himself; humbling 
their hearts before Him, and enabling them, as with their 
mouths in the dust, to put up their petitions to Him ; which He 
will hear and answer from heaven, his high and holy dwelling 
place. The doctrine of christian purity and perfection, as de- 
livered to Abraham, and enjoined by our Lord upon his disci- 
ples, was held up. It seemed as if the Lord gave fresh access 
to his treasury, opened by Him, and qualified to warn and to 
persuade all, to mind the day of their visitation; that they may 
be prepared in the end, for an admission into the everlasting 
kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, among saints and angels, and 
the spirits of just men made perfect; whose employment it is, 
to ascribe unto Hirn that sitteth upon the throne, and to the 
Lamb, glory and honor, thanksgiving, might, majesty, dominion, 



1852] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 555 

and praise, to whom alone it belongs. I returned to my dwell- 
ing with feelings of quiet peacefulness. 

The absence of my dear wife, laboring in a country, where 
disease prevails in many places ; and a concern for the pre- 
servation of Friends, who have taken the ground of defence 
of our religious principles, against the attempted innovations 
of some in the present day, have caused me to walk in secret 
mourning; yet not without the belief, that the Lord beholds 
our afflictions, and will support and make way for our final de- 
liverance, in his time. Faith is at seasons renewed in his un- 
failing mercy, and evidences are granted, that He has not 
forsaken his afflicted church. 

8th. While sitting in our meeting to-day, the injunction 
of our Lord was brought over me, "Take.no thought for the 
morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of 
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." We are 
not to become indifferent in relation to the future; because we 
are exhorted to lay up a good foundation against the time to 
come. But the more faithful we are to the Lord, in performing 
our daily duties, the more we shall be relieved from all unavail- 
ing anxiety about the future ; and enabled to cast our care upon 
Him, who will care for and sustain us through all our troubles. 
I thought Divine help was present to comfort some anxious ones 
in our little meeting. 

I rode out to Germantown in the afternoon, and next day, the 
9th, attended the meeting there ; in which I was unexpectedly 
drawn, to show the distinction between the religion of mere edu- 
cation, and the religion of regeneration. The first is that of opi- 
nion and habit ; the other of conviction and submission to the 
heart-renovating power of Divine grace. We may lose the lat- 
ter through unwatchfulness; as being once in grace, is no surety 
for being always in grace. However valuable a sound edu- 
cation, by the example and precepts of religious parents and 
friends, may be, and for which we are responsible, yet if the 
work of regeneration is not experienced, we shall be mere 
formalists ; and it will be evident that the life of religion is 
wanting. There seemed to be a warning for some, who may be 
correct in the eye of their fellows, and yet are in an indolent 
state ; regardless of that exercise of mind and daily prayer for 
heavenly food, by which the immortal soul is nourished, and 
enabled to do the Divine will, and to bear fruit to the praise of 



556 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1852. 

the great Husbandman, and to the benefit of the church. I 
thought there was evidence that the Lord's power was present, 
to arouse and quicken some to greater diligence in their day's 
work. 

15th. This morning my dear wife got home from Ohio ; 
having attended the Yearly Meeting at Mount Pleasant, which, 
in some respects, was closely proving; yet throughout, Friends 
believed that Divine protection was round about them. 

25th. By appointment of the School Corporation, I visited 
several applicants for the admission of children of those not 
Friends, gratuitously, into the schools under its care. The 
destitute condition of some, their exposure to the evil company 
of other children, who live much in the streets, and the incompe- 
tency of their parents or caretakers, to train and example them 
in a religious and moral life, were truly affecting to me. Were 
it not for the watchful care of theunslumbering Shepherd, over 
the souls He has made, it seems as if destruction must inev- 
itably overtake such. We cannot be too sensible of the blessings 
we partake of, as members of a religious Society, professing the 
principles of the gospel of Christ ; and which feels bound to 
extend a restraining influence over old and young, to guard 
them against the seductive power of temptation, as it is pre- 
sented in the world at large, and in the private associations of 
men and women, who reject all religious control. How grateful 
and consistent in our conduct, ought we to be, for the salutary 
provisions and influences we have around us; associated as we 
are, or may be, with solid christian friends, whose sentiments 
and deportment are like salt, to preserve, or as the dew upon 
the tender grass, to nourish and feed the good in us. In rela- 
tion to forming connections for life, it is of great importance to 
have part in such a Society, where purity of principle and prac- 
tice is inculcated. There is great safety in dwelling, like the 
Shunamite woman, among our own people ; and if it be our lot 
to enter into a married life, to make choice of one, whose train- 
ing has been within our own pale, or who has been brought in 
by conviction, under the regenerating power of Divine grace. 
In such training, the minds of the members receive a similar 
bias and stamp. Thus they need not break up nor forego the 
sentiments of their education on religious points, in order to 
conform to each other. A union in this respect has already 
existed ; and when bound together in the most tender and en- 



1852.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 557 

dearing ties of human life, the way will be open to be constant 
helpmeets in their heavenly pilgrimage, as well as to aid and 
cheer one another, in the difficulties that pertain to their tem- 
poral duties. 

What a sad loss is sustained by those young people, who de- 
spise their birthright, and part with it, as Esau, for a mess of 
pottage. If they are not favored with repentance in time, so 
effectual as to return, they will wander from the path of safe- 
ty, and confusion and embarrassment in some way will follow. 
I believe that forsaking a Society, where there are many means 
for spiritual help and preservation, and where the true nature 
of vital religion has been clearly unfolded, will be attended by 
serious disadvantages; and that very generally such are swal- 
lowed up by the world and its corrupting spirit. 

28th. Attended the North Meeting, which I sat in peaceful 
silence. What a blessing it would be, were every obstacle to 
the prevalence of sincere christian fellowship, removed from 
amongst us, and we loved one another unfeignedly. It would 
greatly contribute to our strength and the disposition to aid 
and encourage one another in the performance of all our reli- 
gious duties. We should mourn with those that mourned, and 
rejoice when one was exalted, in the occupancy of his or her 
gift. 

Tenth month 14th. Felt an inclination to go to the Arch 
Street Meeting, where Samuel Leeds ministered in an accept- 
able manner to me. After him, it appeared to be my place, to 
address the scholars and the caretakers of the Select Schools ; 
encouraging the dear children to love and mind the Saviour, 
who took the little ones, in his arms, laid his hands upon them, 
and blessed them. He still regards these, though He is exalted 
above all principalities and powers ; and by his Holy Spirit, He 
draws them from sin ; and when they obey Him, leads them in 
the paths of righteousness, and rewards them with his peace. 
In all the trials which their caretakers endure, if they look to 
Him, they would know the everlasting arm of the same blessed 
Saviour to be underneath, supporting and strengthening them 
for the work of their day; and as they discharge faithfully :he'\r 
religious duties to their interesting charge, many of them, I be- 
lieved, in after life would call them blessed. As the children 
gave up to the visitations of their Saviour, He would show them 
the bride, the Lamb's wife, adorned in garments of purity and 



558 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1852. 

brightness, the righteousness of saints; which represents the 
holiness and christian perfection, to whch all the members of the 
mystical body are called and attain, through the power of Christ's 
spirit. 

23d. The mind is often influenced by the state of the body. 
But whatever cause may act, I believe the Lord does lead us at 
times into low places, and veils his countenance from us, to re- 
duce and humble the creature, and to draw us to seek to Him 
in our humiliation ; that He would in mercy preserve us from 
falling away, and help us to maintain the watch and the war- 
fare against the cruel devices of the enemy. I feel the need of 
such dispensations, that I may be quickened to watch against 
every improper thought, and set a closer guard at the door of 
my lips. 

27th. Was our Monthly Meeting, in which some of the 
Queries were answered, and we were in some degree introduced 
into the state of the members. Oh for a more united and heart- 
felt travail for one another's growth in the Truth, and more 
willingness to hold up and strengthen the hands of the laborers 
in the Lord's vineyard. There is great strength in true unity, 
and a sincere desire for each other's religious welfare. 

30th. To-day was held our Select Quarterly Meeting, which 
was satisfactory. 

Eleventh month 1st. In the meeting for worship, which was 
attended with solemnity, E. Pittfield and E. Evans ministered 
in a weighty, feeling manner. The evidences of the condescen- 
sion and forbearance of the Shepherd of Israel to his creatures, 
many of whom are forgetful of their greatest interests, are en- 
couraging, and raised desires that we might be more devoted to 
Him and his cause. When the gospel is preached in the love 
and authority of Christ, we have reason to believe that the good 
Shepherd is caring for the lambs and the sheep of his pasture, and 
seeking to draw others into his fold ; and we ought to receive 
with gratitude these evidences of his merciful regard, and be 
incited to more fervent and full dedication of our time and talents 
to his service. 

3d. Having for some time, had our minds drawn to make a 
visit to our beloved, aged friend and mother in Israel, Hannah 
Gibbons, my wife and myself, went there this afternoon. The 
faculties of our aged friend are remarkably preserved ; the staid- 
ness and solidity of her spirit are peculiar, and the constant 



1852.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 559 

exercise of her mind, trained in the school of Christ, and orna- 
mented with the garment of humility, makes her a striking ex- 
ample to the believers; showing the efficacy of Divine grace, 
and the fruits of long dedication to her Lord, in the path of self- 
denial and daily watchfulness unto prayer. "We felt nearly 
united to her, and esteemed it a favor to have such a pillar and 
watch woman continued in the militant church, to so late a period 
of life. 

4th. Attended their meeting, which was unusually large, 
many of the inhabitants coming in to see a marriage, in Friends' 
mode. It was conducted in a solemn and appropriate manner, 
which I thought commended our practice in making this solemn 
covenant, before all others. 

7th. This has been a day of little spiritual enjoyment ; but 
if these seasons tend to abase the creature, and drive to the 
Fountain of all good to ask for preservation, they will prove 
blessings in disguise. This evening commenced the united 
meetings for all the members in the city who can attend. The 
company was large and very quiet, to whom my wife ministered 
in a short testimony, addressed chiefly to the young people. 
All our ministers in the city were present except one. 

14th. Though the weather was cold and blustering, and 
threatening rain, our evening meeting was quite large, and a 
solemn covering spread over us. A Friend had a short commu- 
nication; after which, we sat some time in silence, during which, 
the dealings of the Lord with his children in hiding his face 
from them, and permitting Satan to buffet them, so that they 
are afraid of becoming cast away, were brought before me; and 
I believed it was my duty to stand up, with a testimony to 
the great importance in such seasons, to keep the faith and 
patience of the saints. Our Lord said to his disciples, * ; Ye 
are they which have continued with me in my temptations; and 
I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed 
unto me." It is of the utmost importance to keep near to Him 
in all trials and temptations, that we may know his kingdom 
established in us, where He rules and reigns over all. They 
tend to humble us into the state of a little child, in which only, 
we can enter that kingdom. The Christian's progress, and his 
establishment on the sure foundation, through the grace that 
comes by Jesus Christ, were declared; showing how we are 



560 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1852, 



made preachers of righteousness in life and conversation, and a 
living protest against sin and iniquity. 



CHAPTEE XXVIII. 

1852—1853. 

Dangers attending the Possession of Biches — Family Visit by Appointment — 
Hinchman Haines — Eeligious Visit to Meetings in Chester and Delaware 
Counties, Pennsylvania. Yearly Meeting — Friends and Public Holidays — 
Services at and near Home. 

1852, Twelfth month. I have mourned over the weaknesses 
observable in many, who seem to be almost insensibly drawn 
aside by the influence of rich men, the love of grandeur, and 
the pride and self-consequence which wealth gives. There is a 
powerful temptation to fall in with the stream of fashionable 
life, and to coincide with the opinions of rich, nominal Quakers ; 
to mingle with them, and to give children an education conform- 
able to the standard which they erect ; however different from 
the course that true, consistent Friends, believe the Holy Spirit 
leads into. This makes an unfavorable distinction between the 
children of those who despise the cross, and the children of con- 
scientious members, who feel bound to regard its restrictions. 
But I have seen and felt, that it is far better to keep to the re- 
quisitions of Grace in all things ; bearing the cross faithfully, and 
disregarding the shame which the world attaches to a life of 
self-denial, both for our own everlasting good, and for the sake of 
our children. 

The influx of wealth into our country is producing its natural 
effects upon those who have the power of accumulating it. 
Where some are suddenly made rich, others are tempted to put 
forth their hands to get gain, that they also may be made rich 
and honorable among men, like their cotemporaries. As wealth 
is acquired, large showy houses are sometimes provided, to suit 
the standing of the rich man, with sumptuous, fashionable fur- 
niture to correspond. Families, even with comparatively plain 



1852.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 561 

garb, finding themselves thus surrounded with grandeur, and 
the means to indulge their inclinations, may become inflated 
with the idea that they are superior to those of the middle or 
poorer rank; and a disposition to look upon them with a super- 
cilious air, may arise in the mind ; and the daily application to 
the Lord for his preserving power, be much forgotten. The chil- 
dren of such persons become exalted above the simplicity of the 
cross, and are in danger of looking with a degree of contempt, 
on their young friends, whose parents have not the means, or 
are not easy, to go into a fashionable, luxurious mode of living. 
They are in danger of growing up with, or imbibing an enmity 
to the testimonies and discipline of our Society, and of becom* 
ing lost to it. Our strength is thereby wasted, and we fail to 
exert that influence in the world, for which we were designed. 
Instead of carrying on the work of reformation, by lives of 
purity and self-denial, many are in great danger of going back 
into the customs of the world, out of which Friends were origin- 
ally gathered. Where those who take an active part in the 
affairs of the Society have grown rich, and are living in a spirit 
of self-importance, and manage its concerns in their own wis- 
dom, it has a leavening effect upon others ; the life and gathering 
power of religion will be excluded, and the right authority of 
meetings will be lost. 

5th. Our evening meeting was large. I felt drawn to 
advert to the lowly, humble manner in which our Saviour 
came into the world; his birthplace a stable, and being laid in a 
manger, though He was the Son of the Highest, and had all 
power in heaven and in earth. It was declared by the angel of 
the Lord, when he informed the shepherds that a Saviour was 
born unto them in the city of David ; "And this shall be a sign 
unto you, ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 
lying in a manger." It appeared to be my place to warn those 
who were living in grandeur and pride, of their danger in giving 
way to this exalted spirit, and of the prejudicial effects it must 
have upon themselves, and their children, by shutting out of 
the heart the precious influence of the Spirit of the Eedeemer. 
There was a deep, solemn stillness over the meeting, and 
we came away, thankful for the extension of Divine help and 
favor. 

26th. As we walked to meeting this afternoon, observing the 
plain dresses of Friends, who mingled with others, I recollected 



562 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

that more than two hundred years have elapsed since George 
Fox commenced his ministry ; opening to the people the spirit- 
ual nature of the gospel dispensation ; what it requires, and 
what a change it effects in those who yield to the renovat- 
ing power of the Holy Spirit; cleansing the heart and regulat- 
ing their whole deportment. Here is still a people, distinguished 
by their doctrines, their simple garb, their scriptural language, 
and their unfashionable manners ; all Avhich is an evidence of 
the continued care, power and goodness of the Lord towards us ; 
and which ought to unite us in gratitude, increasing fervor, and 
faithfulness to our God. In proportion to the greatness of the 
testimonies committed to us, and the clear discovery of the 
doctrines and precepts of the gospel, is our responsibility ; and 
did we keep steadfastly to our Divine Guide, in living up to his 
heavenly nature and dictates, we should be like an army with 
banners; that would be enabled to shake the kingdom of anti- 
christ, and turn the people effectually to Christ, in his spiritual 
appearance in their hearts ; that they might know Him to be 
their hope of glory. We had a very precious meeting this 
morning. In the evening, we had also a solid meeting; in 
which the gospel was preached in the opening and authority of 
the Holy Spirit. 

29th. The visiting of the families belonging thereto, having 
received the consideration of our last Monthly Meeting, and a 
committee then appointed by men Friends, it was now intro- 
duced to women Friends, who united with it, and appointed a 
committee to join us in the service. 

1853, First month 5th. The committee divided into two 
parts, allotting a portion of the members to each, which have 
been engaged in the work. Divine help was graciously extend- 
ed, in opening the different states, and giving the word, to my 
admiration, for the various conditions. Poverty and emptiness 
were my portion at times, but I hope some will be stirred up to 
more faithfulness, and others induced to put away the household 
idols with which they are surrounded. 

17th. After having had quite mild weather most of the win- 
ter, the mercury fell, through yesterday, to fourteen degrees, 
making a very sensible contrast with the temperature we have 
had. It will cause suffering to many of the improvident ones, 
who observe no economy with what they get, nor exert them- 
selves as they ought, when employment is to be had. Their 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 563 

wants call into action the sympathies of many, whose hearts 
might otherwise be engrossed with the love of their possessions ; 
and for want of objects of charity, or calls for aid, might scarce- 
ly ever experience these tender feelings, and the disposition to 
hand relief to a suffering fellow being. "Blessed is he that 
considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in time of trou- 
ble." 

Feelings of destitution of Divine good have been my portion; 
and fears have attended of not being sufficiently concerned to 
draw near to the Lord, in prayer for heavenly bread, and his 
sustaining power. 

Yesterday I was constrained to warn my brethren and sisters, 
of the danger of having the mind too much engrossed even with 
lawful things, so as to deter us from waiting upon the Lord 
daily for the renewal of spiritual strength ; and producing ne- 
glect of our duty to watch and pray continually. 

29th. Last fourth-day was held our Monthly Meeting ; in 
which all the Queries were answered, and report made of the 
completion of the family visit to our members. I thought a 
religious weight covered us ; and some lively remarks were 
made, to guard the members against submitting to temptation 
to depart from our testimonies ; particularly relating to the 
plural language to a single person, and against a sumptuous and 
fashionable mode of living, which leads to an improper educa- 
tion of children ; by which they are taken out of the Society. 

Having felt my mind drawn in tender sympathy to some of 
the small meetings in Chester and Delaware Counties, Penn- 
sylvania, I laid the concern before the Monthly Meeting, and 
was liberated, by a general expression of unity, to visit the meet- 
ings of Cain, the Western, and Concord Quarterly Meetings, as 
way may open for it. Our only hope and trust are in the tender 
compassion of an omniscient Shepherd, wdio sees the hearts of 
all, and can administer comfort, wisdom and strength to support, 
and safely guide his poor dependent children under all their 
trials, to the accomplishment of his will. 

In the afternoon. I crossed the river, in order to visit our an- 
cient friend Hinchman Haines, if he was in a situation to be seen ; 
he having been ill for about ten days ; and also to attend the 
meeting at Evesham, where he belonged. When I got to his son's 
house, next morning, I found he had departed the preceding even- 
ing. He was a pillar in the church of Christ ; a living, baptizing 



564 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

minister; and a firm and consistent supporter of the doctrines and 
testimonies of the gospel held by our religious Society ; and in 
the spreading of which, he travelled much in the ministry. Being 
possessed of a good judgment, and a cheerful disposition, and 
having, from an early period of his life, been disciplined in the 
school of Christ, his conversation was interesting and instruc- 
tive to the sincere lovers and seekers of the Truth. Though he 
was firm in his attachment to the truth, and in maintaining 
what he believed was right, yet when his friends did not see 
eye to eye with him, in things not decided on by the body, he 
treated them in a sweet, christian spirit, and did not allow him- 
self to say anything to lessen their reputation, or standing in 
the church. He was in the eighty-sixth year of his age, and his 
removal will be much felt by many who have partaken of his 
ministry, and among whom he was a father in Christ, and an 
example of christian gravity, simplicity and self-denial. 

30th. I attended the meeting for worship, of which H. Haines 
had long been a member, and a sorrowful feeling spread over us. 
I felt unfit to be employed in any service; yet I thought under 
the impressions that covered my mind, it would be unsafe to re- 
frain from testifying to the power and goodness of the Lord, in 
breaking us off from the wild olive tree ; and, through the bap- 
tisms of the Holy Ghost and fire, preparing us for membership 
in the church of Christ, and to receive gifts to be occupied in the 
station which He allots for every obedient one. It was this made 
our fathers living members of Christ, and qualified them to ad- 
vocate and uphold his cause. And the same blessed power, I 
believed, would continue to raise up living witnesses to the 
truth ; and also those who would publish the glad tidings of 
salvation, and what the Lord had done for their souls. 

Second month 8th. This morning my wife and myself rode 
to our brother-in-law's, J. Ehoads, whom we found preparing to 
set out with me on the visit in Chester County. The fellow- 
ship subsisting between us is very grateful and strengthening. 
In the afternoon, he and I rode to E. M.'s, where we found a 
comfortable stopping-place, and in the evening, several Friends 
came in, whose company was cheering. 

9th. Attended their usual mid-week meeting at Whiteland ; 
at which we had the company of a dear young minister, visit- 
ing Friends' families of this place. I felt drawn in spirit to some 
exercised ones, to whom the language of the Most High was 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 5G5 

addressed, " Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dis- 
mayed, I am thy God;" "I will never leave thee nor forsake 
thee;" also that of our Saviour to his disciples, "Lo, I am with 
you alway, even to the end of the world ;" and the way was 
opened to comfort and strengthen the lowly, tribulated ones, 
whose faith was deeply proven. Afterwards to show forth to 
a different class, the great importance of obeying the discove- 
ries of the Holy Spirit, hy which the work of salvation is be- 
gun and perfected in man, as he yields to and follows it. Our 
beloved friend knelt in thanksgiving, for the help extended to 
the poor in spirit, and for the renewed call and offer of mercy to 
the rebellious ; also praying that the dear children might be 
gathered. It proved the truth of the saying, " He that watereth 
shall be watered also himself;" affording me comfort from a 
young, devoted child of the Lord, particularly as I was now just 
setting out on a journey. 

We dined with our friends J. M. and sisters, who were truly 
kind in entertaining us ; and in the afternoon, rode to M. E.'s, 
who received us with much affection. The evening was occu- 
pied in cheerful conversation, mostly touching subjects of a se- 
rious nature. 

10th. We were at Uwchlan Monthly Meeting; in which the 
dear Master furnished fresh authority and ability to labor in 
his cause ; many appearing to be immersed in the love and pur- 
suit of the things of the world, whereby their strength is much 
laid waste, and the life and power of religion at a low ebb. 
That love which seeks the everlasting welfare of all,, clothed my 
mind ; in which I was enabled to bring some things home to 
their feelings with much plainness,* and which appeared to be 
well received. But oh, how are the minds of many going into 
the earth, and losing the little zeal they may once have felt ; 
and their children taking wings into the air, soaring above the 
witness for God, and setting at nought the testimonies which 
our faithful predecessors nobly bore. 

We dined near the meeting-house; and a young man having 
agreed to accompany us, we set out for Kobeson, the road lying 
over a hilly country, and rough at this season of the year. The 
Monthly Meeting held so late, we could not go through before 
night, and were obliged to put up at a tavern, in the beautiful 
Conestoga valley, w^hich is esteemed as good land, and well-cul- 
tivated, as most in that part of the country. 
37 



566 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

11th. "We set off pretty early, and getting directions, found 
our way to J. S.'s, who received us kindly. As they knew 
nothing of our coming, though they said they had looked for 
some Friends the preceding evening, and the time was so short, 
but little notice could be spread of our intention to be at the 
meeting ; yet from what was said, I supposed it would have 
been still less, than the little company we met there. They 
seemed to be in a low state, as regards the knowledge of a 
right exercise of mind,, in the performance of spiritual worship; 
having fallen into great indifference respecting the attendance 
of their meetings. The feeling was very affecting ; but after 
sitting in much poverty, I was moved to bring to view, the 
deadening influence of a worldly spirit, and to labor to stir them 
up to consider seriously their situation, and to come under the 
refining power of Christ, that they might be qualified to support 
his cause. We dined with a member, who looked nothing like 
a Friend ; and bad an opportunity with him and his family ; in 
which were plainly laid before them the responsibility of parents, 
and the influence of their example. 

12th. Took our departure, this morning, over the hills for 
Downingtown. On approaching the Conestoga valley, it lay 
before us as a beautiful expanse of well- fenced and cultivated 
fields, with substantial farm-houses ; where the hand of industry 
ha3 done much to please and to accommodate man. All this is 
proper in its place, but falls short of securing true happiness to 
the owners, without a life of godliness, and devotion to the will 
and the glory of the great Creator. About two o'clock, we 
reached our stopping-place, where we remained until next af- 
ternoon. 

13th. Being first day, a pretty large company of men con- 
vened at the meeting, the women not so many. To me it was 
rather a laborious time, among a class who seemed much in a 
worldly spirit; but Divine help was extended, and the import- 
ance of regeneration, and a life of godliness, was enforced. To- 
wards the close, I was enabled to prostrate myself, in humble 
supplication, for the negligent and unfaithful ; for the young 
people and the few burden-bearers; that the Lord would work 
in us all by his love and mighty power, to the reduction of 
everything into obedience to Himself, and preserve us every 
moment from the power of temptation ; that we may fill up the 
measure of allotted suffering and duty, to the glory of his Name, 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 567 

and our salvation in the end. It was a tendering close to some, 
and I came away cleared and peaceful. 

Eeturned to our lodgings, dined, and soon after left for West- 
town ; which we reached after a muddy ride, the roads being 
much softened by the melted snow. 

14th. Attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and El- 
ders, at Concord ; in which a little ability was granted, to en- 
courage those present, to engage with renewed zeal and diligence, 
in the Lord's cause and work. At our friend 1ST. Sharpless', we 
had the company of dear friends, with whom I passed the even- 
ing with satisfaction. 

15th. Rose with desires for preservation in lowliness of 
mind, that I might abide with the suffering Seed, and be kept 
under Divine guidance ; so as to do nothing but what was of 
the Holy Spirit's begetting and putting forth. Early in the 
meeting, a woman Friend, E. S., appeared in prayer; and some- 
time after, I was led to declare as my belief, there is still pre- 
served among us, those who are standing for the Truth, and 
who are clothed with fear on their own account ; to whom the 
language of the Saviour is applicable, " Fear not, little flock, it 
is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." To- 
wards these, with whom I was united in the love and fellowship 
of the gospel, the stream of encouragement and consolation 
flowed freely. Then in the tender love of God, I was drawn to 
address the dear young people, and to invite them to come to 
the Saviour and follow Him, and He would prepare them for 
his work in the church. The power of the adorable Head rose 
into dominion, and it was a humbling, contriting season ; I 
thought more so than I have often known ; for which 1 was 
humbled and thankful to the Lord's great Name. 

In the afternoon, we rode to Birmingham, and put up with a 
Friend, near the old meeting-house ; near which many of the 
slain at the battle of Brandywine, during the revolutionary war, 
were interred. A christian must feel horror at the thought of 
immortal beings being rushed into the presence of Almighty God, 
in the fury of battle, and with every nerve strained to murder 
and beat down their fellow candidates for immortality and eter- 
nal blessedness. How can it be, that any one who believes in 
the coming and sufferings of the Son of God, to save lost man ; 
who died that we might live to Him, can contend that war and 
bloodshed are lawful, and still less engage in them. To love 



568 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

our enemies, which is his command, is totally incompatible 
with using every effort to destroy them. "A new command- 
ment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved 
you, that ye also love one another." 

16th. A storm blew up in the night, with heavy rain, which 
gave the morning a dreary appearance, and led us to expect our 
appointed meeting would be small ; but a greater number came 
than I had looked for. Salvation by the coming of Christ, in 
the flesh and by his Holy Spirit, transforming man, was preach- 
ed, and the fearful consequences of denying his divinity and 
propitiatory offering for our sins, were held up to view. The 
burden-bearers, and the dear young people, were encouraged to 
come to the compassionate Shepherd of the sheep, and apply to 
Him for wisdom and strength to do his will. 

In the afternoon, we went to our aged friend Moses Bailey's, 
and lodged. He was from home, but his family treated us with 
much kindness, and in the morning, his son piloted us over to 
Cain meeting-house. Attended the Select Quarterly Meeting, 
composed of seven men and two women Friends. It appeared 
to be in a low condition, and I was drawn to hold up the im- 
portance of faithful dedication to the cause of Christ, as ex- 
amples of the flock ; to warn them as watchmen on the walls, 
which the great Head has placed around us, of the snares with 
which the enemy seeks to lay us waste. Also of the import- 
ance of deep, inward abiding with Christ, that wherever we go, 
the savor of Divine life may go with us, and have an influence 
upon others. They were also reminded of the tendency of our 
young people to go into the fashions of a corrupt world, and to 
become rulers over their parents, instead of their parents gov- 
erning and restraining them in these things. These remarks 
flowed like a gentle stream, accompanied with an affectionate 
desire for their strength and encouragement. 

Dined at J. E.'s, where we had a little opportunity to hold up 
to some present, that the harvest was plenteous, and the labor- 
ers few, and to invite them to increased dedication. Went to 
C. D.'s and lodged, where we received very kind attention. 

18th. The weather was now fine, and the roads on the hills 
pretty good, which is desirable at the convening of this Quar- 
terly Meeting. Nearly all the old members and standard-bear- 
ers of this meeting have been removed by death. There are 
young and middle-aged persons, who appear to be consistent 






1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 569 

Friends, and under a right exercise, yet there was a feeling of 
weakness, and of degeneracy among many. I was engaged to 
show the necessity of being brought to feel our own nothing- 
ness, and to submit to those dispensations, by which we are 
brought into the state of a little child ; so as to know Christ's 
kingdom and reign to be set up in the heart, and to receive from 
Him gifts to occupy to his praise. "When we are brought into 
the household of faith, and into a humbling view of ourselves, 
it is needful to guard against the temptation to cast away our 
shield, and be thereby disabled from performing our duties in 
the church. By looking improperly at the many discourage- 
ments of this day of great trial, we may suffer ourselves to be 
cast down, as if there was no hope. I believed the Lord was at 
work in the hearts of the young people ; and it is our place to 
keep the faith that He will arise for our help and deliverance ; 
and under his direction, that we be found inviting and drawing 
them to Christ, and encouraging them to be faithful to all his 
requi rings. Rode to W. N". S.'s about two miles, and lodged; 
having Moses Bailey for our guide. 

19th. The ride this morning was over a rough road to West 
Cain, and the weather cold, with, a northeast wind. The ap- 
pointed meeting here was larger than was anticipated, some 
Presbyterians, separatists and others, with a few Friends; to 
whom the gospel was preached, of the universal love of God to 
man, in sending his well-beloved Son to save the world, by the 
atonement made by Him, and by giving to all a measure of 
grace ; showing that all may be saved if they obey its teach- 
ings. This was declared in the fresh openings and authority of 
the Holy Spirit. I was also bowed in humble prayer for the 
extending of heavenly good to all, that living witnesses might 
be raised up in that place, to the power and excellency of the re- 
ligion of the Lord Jesus. It appeared to me to be a day of favor 
and Divine condescension to us poor unworthy creatures ; for 
surely it was the Lord's work to open matter for the conditions 
of the people. 

We dined about half a mile from the meeting-house; and be- 
fore leaving, Moses Bailey and I, went to see an aged Friend. 
She appeared to be an afflicted woman, and yet showed the dig- 
nity and composure, with which the Lord clothes those who 
have loved and served Him to old age, in a life of devotion to 
his cause and the welfare of the church. There was a word of 



570 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

consolation sprang in my heart for her, and we parted under 
feelings of respect and sympathy for an aged servant of Christ, 
now in her eighty-seventh year. 

We had a very rough ride over the hills to Moses Baily's, the 
roads continuing to be hard frozen ; but it was pleasant to re- 
turn to the peaceful residence of this honest-hearted elder, and 
his kind wife. 

20th. First-day. Attended Bradford Meeting, which was 
large, composed of Friends and others. It was not so comfort- 
ing a time as at some places ; yet there was ability afforded to 
open many things pertaining to the condition of man in trans- 
gression, the means to bring him out of it, and the necessity of 
continued watchfulness after we are brought out; for Satan is 
at work, even to draw down those, who may be as stars in the 
firmament of God's power. The necessity of rightly governing 
the children, restraining them from wrong things, and setting 
them a proper example, was laid before them. As we come 
under this religious exercise, we shall be favored, at seasons, to 
hold communion with our heavenly Father, and thus know our 
strength renewed. He said, respecting his servant, "Shall I 
hide from Abraham that thing that I do ? For I know him, that 
he will command his household and his children after him ;" 
hereby confirming the importance of rightly governing our be- 
loved children ; which can be done only as we are living under 
the Divine government ourselves, feeling the great importance 
of this subjection to, and communion with the Lord, and re- 
ceiving wisdom and ability from Him to order our own house- 
holds. 

Eeturned to Moses Baily's, and dined with a company of 
Friends who stopped there. In the afternoon, we rode ten or 
eleven miles to East Sadsbury, and lodged. On the 22d, we at- 
tended an appointed meeting here; and that afternoon, after 
dining with a woman Friend, and having a religious opportunity 
with her and children, we rode up to Bart. Next day had an 
appointed meeting there, with a company of tender-spirited 
Friends, to our and their satisfaction. Then rode to the house of 
a Friend belonging to Sadsbury Meeting, where we lodged; and 
on the 23d, attended their regular meeting, which was small and 
laborious. 

There was a measure of holy help vouchsafed to perform 
what appeared to be required in these meetings. I thought 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 571 

there were sincerely concerned Friends in all of them, and some 
of the younger and middle-aged, appear to be under religious 
exercise; among whom I hoped there would be some raised up, 
wliom the Lord would qualify to support the doctrines and tes- 
timonies of the gospel, under the guidance of his Spirit. Surely 
were we faithful, abounding in the work of the Lord, the same 
good Hand that gathered our forefathers, from the "lo heres, 
and lo theres," would still be w T ith us, and exalt his name and 
his goodness in the midst of us. 

24th. Were at the Western Quarterly Meeting of Ministers 
and Elders, which is very small. Here we met my brother 
Joseph Evans and wife, and sister Hannah Rhoads, which was 
cheering. All of us went to J. P.'s, a pleasant resting place, 
and remained until the next day; which afforded an opportunity 
to enquire after our home connections and friends, and to partake 
in the satisfaction of free and pleasant converse with our kind 
entertainers. 

25th. Attended the Quarterly Meeting for business. I was 
brought low in sitting down in the meeting, feeling unworthy 
to be employed in the Lord's work ; but after a time of inward 
reduction, and looking to the alone Helper of his people, the 
quickening power of his Spirit sprung up a little in my mind, 
and under its guidance, I was led to open the simplicity and 
certainty of the gospel dispensation ; adapted to all capacities, 
and brought home to every heart ; that man with all his wis- 
dom and research, cannot find out any other way, by which the 
soul can be saved; nor is he able by any power that he pos- 
sesses as a creature, even to give himself a sight of his lost con- 
dition. He only, who is the way, the truth and the life, can 
show him where and what he is, and what He requires him to 
become ; giving him power to forsake sin ; and He alone can 
set up his kingdom in his heart. When the rich man, in a state 
of torment, besought Abraham to send one to warn his brethren, 
lest they should come into that place, Abraham answered, they 
have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them; but still 
urging his request, he was told, "If they hear not Moses and 
the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose 
from the dead." When Christ came, He said, " I am the door. 
He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climb- 
eth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." And 
the apostle said, " Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach 



572 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

any other gospel unto you, than that which we have preached 
unto you, let him be accursed." All these show there is no way 
of salvation but that which is appointed by our great and gra- 
cious Creator ; and unless man complies with the terms, there 
is no ground on which to rest any hope of being saved in the 
end. I thought the humbling power of Christ spread over the 
meeting, and brought with it a feeling of solemnity and contri- 
tion of spirit. My sister Hannah Rhoads, knelt in supplication 
and thanksgiving, which humbled the hearts of many. 

After the meeting we dined, went to Fallowfield and lodged. 

26th. We had a meeting at this place, the number of Friends 
being small ; and some of them giving little evidence in their 
appearance, of feeling regard for the simplicity and self-denial 
of the cross and gospel of Christ; being gone out into the spirit 
and fashions of the world ; with whom I was engaged to labor, 
in order to draw them to yield to the Holy Spirit in their own 
hearts. I was also led to supplicate our merciful Heavenly 
Father, on behalf of his afflicted children, and for the gathering 
of those who have wandered from the right way, and that He 
would extend preservation to all. 

27th. Went to West Grove Meeting, where formerly be- 
longed our ancient and honorable friends William and Hannah 
Jackson ; whose memory is precious, and their solid christian 
example worthy to be followed more faithfully than it has been, 
by many in that meeting. Notice having been given two days 
before, and being first-day, the company was large, many not 
being members. The service was laborious, but I felt clear and 
peaceful at the close. Dined, and then rode to Joshua Sharpless', 
at London Britain. 

28th. Had an appointed meeting at London Britain, com- 
posed of Friends and others ; in which I was drawn forth for 
the encouragement of the devoted few in this place, that they 
might increase in faithfulness to the Lord and his cause. To- 
wards the close of what I had to deliver, I was led to warn 
against the spirit that was rejecting the gospel of Christ, and 
turning the back upon the Holy Scriptures ; that the end of 
those who submitted to it would be awful, did they persist until 
the day of mercy was overpast. I was a stranger to such, if 
there were any in the meeting ; but afterwards was told there 
was one at least of that character present. 

Third month 1st. The weather was cloudy and foggy most 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 573 

of yesterday ; this morning it rained, and appeared very dreary 
to turn out in, but we rode about four miles to Hockesson. But 
few Friends belong here; some of them were absent from indis- 
position and other causes, yet the company was larger than we 
had reason to expect. It was an exercising time to me, so few 
seeming to be acquainted with spiritual worship, and that travail 
of soul which is necessary for our life in the Truth. The work- 
ings of an evil disposition to draw persons away from the reli- 
gion of the gospel, prevails in some, which brings darkness into 
meetings. 

2d. Attended their usual week-day meeting, at New Garden ; 
in which the gospel of Christ was declared, and Friends en 
couraged to increased faithfulness in the support of our testi- 
monies. 

3d. Went to Kennet Meeting; in which the necessity of 
placing our confidence and trust in the Shepherd of Israel, and 
not depending upon man, was held forth among them ; in ac- 
cordance with the apostle's testimony, that his speech and his 
preaching were "Not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but 
in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that their 
faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in' the power 
of God." 

The visit to most of the meetings of this Quarter has been 
attended with the apprehension, that the spirit of infidelity in 
some form, is striving to lay waste the doctrines of the christian 
religion, and to draw some of our members into its dreadful 
vortex. Unless Friends keep watchful over themselves and 
their children, prohibiting the use of those pernicious publica- 
tions that set forth and contend for these delusions; and also 
abstaining from associating with unbelievers, the minds of their 
young people may be poisoned, and the Society in these parts 
be scattered. 

4th. After dining, we rode to Willistown, where we had 
notice spread for a meeting to be held on the 4th ; which we 
attended, to some comfort ; and the next day, the 5th, had a 
meeting at Goshen ; both of which were satisfactory. The spirits 
of the humble, exercised travailers for Zion's prosperity, were a 
little revived, and encouraged to trust in the Lord, and to labor 
for the welfare of the flock, over whom they are overseers. We 
lodged the preceding night, with our friends Pennock and Sarah 



574 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853 

Passmore, with whom and others here, the cementing influence 
of gospel fellowship was felt to unite us together. 

After dining with J. and P. K., we rode to West Chester, and 
put up at the residence of our beloved mother in the Truth, 
Hannah Gibbons ; who received us with much kindness, and 
under whose roof and maternal care we felt it a favor to be 
lodged. 

6th. Being first-day, we had a pretty full meeting of Friends 
and others ; and the Lord condescended to furnish ability to 
call upon all who had not submitted to his convicting power, 
and to show to them that He had not dealt with us according 
to our deserts ; but in merciful and unmerited long suffering 
and forbearance, was still following after the rebellious, and 
striving to draw them into the obedience of the cross of Christ. 
These were pleaded with, in the love of the gospel, to receive 
the Lord Jesus in the way of his coming, whether in tendering 
their hearts, with a humbling sense of his goodness, or when He 
reveals his righteous judgments, and shows them the inevitable 
consequences of walking in sin and transgression. Those pre- 
sent, who had entered into covenant with their Lord and Mas- 
ter, were encouraged to persevere faithfully to the end ; that 
they may be lights in the w r orld, preachers of righteousness to 
others, and thereby be made instrumental in drawing souls to 
Christ. That in the end, the language maj be addressed to 
them, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been 
faithful in a few things, I will make thee ruler over more. En- 
ter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

After dining, we took an affectionate farewell of our dear 
aged friend H. Gibbons, and rode to Westtown. In their after- 
noon meeting, I was brought into much sympathy with the 
superintendents and caretakers, on account of the arduousness 
of their charge ; and was led to address them with the language, 
" Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season, we shall 
reap if we faint not ;" and to show that humiliating dispensa- 
tions are necessary to reduce man, so that he may not say, by 
mine own wisdom and strength have I done this ; but find that 
all saving, preserving help comes from the Lord, that He may 
be sought unto and have the praise. I believe some were 
comforted by the little that was said; they seemed unwilling 
to let us depart ; but I felt best satisfied to go to a Friend's 
house near Middletown, and stay that night. 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 575 

7th. Had a meetiDg at Middletown, which was rather a la- 
borious time. Dined with George Smedley, and in the after- 
noon, rode to the residence of my brother-in-law J. Rboads, 
where I staid until next afternoon, and then went to our friend's, 
Enos Sharpless, near Chester. My mind was plunged into a 
low, emptied condition, so that I was tempted to fear I should 
not finish the journey to the honor of Truth, and the benefit of 
those I visited. Our friends were very kind and sympathizing, 
though they knew not my feelings or fears. 

9th. Was their regular meeting here ; and in the midst of 
my poverty, the Lord condescended to furnish a word, and to 
give faith to arise and deliver it ; and there seemed to be some 
quickening power attending, which went over the hearts of the 
peoj)le. Returned to E. Sharpless' and dined ; from whence we 
were taken to Chester village ; where, in order to escape the 
muddy roads, we took the cars for Wilmington, leaving our 
horses and carriage behind. 

10th. Attended Wilmington Monthly Meeting, and labored 
among them in the love of the gospel, to strengthen the hands 
of the faithful, and to persuade the worldly-minded and the ne- 
gligent to turn to the Lord, with full purpose of heart, and 
serve Him, that they may become partakers of the peace which 
He gives, which passeth all understanding of the natural man ; 
and being joined to the Lamb's army, may support his blessed 
cause in the earth. Satisfaction was expressed with our com- 
pany, and the labor. In the afternoon, took the cars for Ches- 
ter ; where we were met by our friend Jesse J. Maris, and went 
to his house. 

11th. The weather was stormy, with snow, hail and rain; 
not very pleasant to turn out into ; but we rode about six miles 
to Chichester, to be at an appointed meeting; which, though 
small, was larger than we had expected. In condescension to 
his poor creature, man, the Lord tendered us together, to the 
help and comfort of a little flock ; for whose help, supplication 
was made to the Father of mercies. 

After dinner, falling into silence, I had a little to communi- 
cate to the younger members of the family ; in which they were 
reminded of the all important work of their salvation. We had 
about eleven miles to ride, this afternoon, to reach my brother- 
in-law J. Rhoads', and it was very pleasant to be again in com- 
pany with his beloved family. 



576 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853 

Next day T spent mostly at my brother Joseph Evans' ; and 
was humbled, under a sense of much un worthiness, and great 
inability to do anything in the good cause, unless the Lord 
continued to take the work into his own hand, and wrought 
for us. 

13th. Went to Springfield Meeting in much weakness, and 
was rather surprised at the number of people who came. Al- 
though I was let down under a deep feeling of my unfitness for 
any good word or work, yet after a time of waiting before the 
Lord, a measure of holy help was extended, and I believe the 
gospel was preached in the authority of Christ. I was also 
bowed in deep prostration of soul, and enabled, vocally, to re- 
turn thanks to our gracious and merciful Helper, that He had 
not cast us off; and to ask for the continuance of his preserving 
power; and that He would, in tender compassion, gather the 
dear children, to submit to and follow their Saviour. The heart- 
tendering power of Truth went over the meeting, and contrited 
many ; for which thanksgiving and praise were rendered to Him 
who alone is worthy. 

After dining at my brother Joel's, rode to my home, and I 
was glad to be again united to my dear wife and children, under 
our peaceful roof; and for the preservation of my health and 
safe return, I was thankful to my Heavenly Father. 

18th. We had a comfortable Meeting for Sufferings ; a pretty 
large committee was appointed to prepare, if way opened, an 
epistle of counsel and advice to the members of our own Yearly 
Meeting. % 

20th. Darby Meeting not having been visited, I was taken 
there this morning. We found it a small company. It seemed 
to be my place, to labor to strengthen the things that remain, 
that are ready to die ; and to pray for their help, and the wel- 
fare of their young people, that testimony-bearers to the Truth 
may yet be raised up among them. 

23d. Gave back my minute to the Monthly Meeting, with 
the acknowledgment, that though the service was a trial of 
faith, Divine mercy accompanied us from place to place, and 
enabled me to discharge the duty required, to the satisfaction of 
my own mind. 

30th. I was brought low in the prospect of our approaching 
Yearly Meeting ; yet at times there is granted a grain of faith, 
producing the hope and confidence that the Lord will not forsake 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 577 

us. But it is not in the power of man to keep us. Unless He 
interferes and says to the sea, " Peace, be still," we cannot expe- 
rience a calm ; and I believe He*will do it, if we are united in 
prayer to Him, to regard us in mercy, and sustain us in the 
hollow of his hand. 

Fourth month 15th. This day we had a satisfactory Meet- 
ing for Sufferings ; there being much unity with several docu- 
ments which had been prepared ; particularly with an epistle 
of caution and counsel, addressed to the members of our own 
Yearly Meeting; which had been prepared by a committee ap- 
pointed therefor. I believe the advice contained in it, is not 
only pertinent and needful, on account of the degeneracy which 
has been spread among us, but at the same time, will tend to 
draw the members to their own condition. We have need to be 
called home to work in our own vineyards. 

18th. The Yearly Meeting convened to-day, and epistles 
were received from all the Yearly Meetings we correspond with. 

The proceedings of the Meeting for Sufferings were well ap- 
proved ; and when the state of the subordinate branches of the 
Yearly Meeting was considered, there was a solid covering 
over the meeting, which was encouraging. The epistle of cau- 
tion and counsel to our members, prepared by the Meeting for 
Sufferings, was adopted, and directed to be signed by the clerk, 
on behalf of the Yearly Meeting ; much unity being expressed 
with it. The business of the meeting was conducted with much 
harmony, through the different sittings. Several Friends mani- 
fested greater interest, and spoke to the business with more 
freedom, than for several years; which had a good effect in 
promoting feelings of unity. The committee on the epistles 
to other meetings harmonized well in the essays which they 
prepared, and the same was apparent in the meeting, at their 
reading. As we drew to a close, a solemn covering spread over 
us; and on reading the parting minute, a profound silence pre- 
vailed, under which the meeting concluded ; Friends being thank- 
ful for the goodness of the blessed Head of the church, in binding 
us together in so much harmony, and affording us the strength 
and comfort, mercifully granted ; which I believe drew us 
nearer to one another, in the hope that the Lord would in- 
crease the unity, and again make us feel as one people. 

Fifth month 9th. I went by stage to Haddon field Monthly 
Meeting, and was exercised in the ministry in the first sitting. 



578 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1853. 



Since returning from Delaware and Chester Counties, in the 
Third month, I have been almost entirely shut up in silence. 
Friends expressed their gladness of the visit to-day ; yet I felt 
low, though free of any sense of condemnation. The country, 
after frequent showers, has a beautiful verdure, and appears 
likely to be covered with rich crops of grain and grass, for the 
subsistence of rebellious man. What multitudes of blessings we 
have to be thankful for. So great iniquity abounding in the 
land, these bounties are an evidence of the compassion and long- 
forbearance of a merciful God, who continues to cause the rain 
to descend, and the sun to shine, on the just and on the unjust, 
and the earth regularly to yield such abundant food for man 
and beast. 

31st. In a visit which my wife and I made at this time, to 
Burlington Quarterly Meeting, we dined with a Friend who re- 
sides in an old house on the main street, which had been occu- 
pied by his father-in-law, a minister; where Eichard Jordan and 
others resorted to at times, and enjoyed a mutual interchange 
of thought and experience in the things of God, with much com- 
fort and interest to one another. We were also told that our 
beloved uncle T. Scattergood, went to school in his boyhood, in 
the room they occupy as a parlor. The association of ideas 
with these circumstances, though of little serious importance, 
called up pleasant recollections of these worthies, who were men 
of God, and loved and served Him in the gospel of his dear Son, 
and in gathering souls to Christ. 

Sixth month 10th. Was at the Arch Street Meeting ; in 
which the language of the Saviour was revived, that "Men 
ought always to pray and not to faint." God would hear his 
own elect, that cry day and night unto Him, and that speedily. 
The elect are not to take revenge upon those who oppress them; 
but the day will come, in which all will be brought to judg- 
ment ; and those who have been bringing suffering upon the 
living members of the church, and in whom the precious seed 
is borne down, as a cart with sheaves, will have to bear their 
own burdens of Divine judgment and condemnation. It felt to 
me to be very important for such to be willing to have their 
hearts searched, and to forsake those things which the Divine 
controversy is with, before it be too late. The exercised ones 
were encouraged to hold on their way, being willing to be hum- 
bled again and again, to the state of a child, that they may be 



1353.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 579 

preserved from sliding from the sure foundation. It was a sea- 
son of renewed favor ; in which the gospel was preached in its 
own authority, and the seed visited. The pride and loftiness 
of man. in his earthly possessions and strength, were declared 
against, and the liability of some to think too lightly of death, 
as if it were an easy thing, without sufficiently regarding its 
awfulness, was alluded to ; -''If the righteous scarcely are saved, 
where shall the ungodly and sinner appear ?" 

14th. Not having been at the Northern District fleeting for 
some time, and feeling my mind drawn to go there this morn- 
ing. I went and sat a long time in a low state ; but before closing 
the meeting. I gave up. in a humbled condition, to exhort them 
to watchfulness and prayer, and to warn some who were soar- 
ing above the witness for God, to come down, that they may 
know the work of humiliation and bowedness of soul for them- 
selves ; for no man or woman can do the work for them. The 
humble, sincere travailers were encouraged to keep the faith 
and the patience of the saints; which, I believe, contrited the 
hearts of some, who had been wading as in deep waters. 

15th. In our own meeting, I was not easy when near time 
to close, without mentioning the parable, in which our Lord 
compared the kingdom of heaven to "A net that was cast into 
the sea and gathered of every kind; which when it was full, 
they drew to shore, and sat down and gathered the good into 
-. but cast the bad away." And it is said, " So shall it be 
at the end of the world ; the angels shall come forth and sever 
the wicked from the just." It appeared to me that many had 
the offers of salvation by the grace of God in their hearts, and 
had in days past given up to it in degree, but through negli- 
gence and disobedience, were in danger of suffering the time to 
pass away unimproved ; and awful will be their condition, if 
the end of all things here, comes to them in this state. 

16th. This morning my brother took me to Evesham, to at- 
tend Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, which was large. The 
removal of such an experienced father and pillar from among 
them, as our late beloved friend Hinchman Haines, left a pecu- 
liarly stripped sensation, in sitting down in the meeting. I sat 
for a considerable time under a sense of a contrary spirit, and 
though some -openings presented, they gradually disappeared. 
and seemed to die. and I felt willing to pass the meeting in 
silence, if it was the Master's will; which I thought it was pro- 



580 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1853. 



bable would be the case. After abiding in this state of death, 
some secret stirrings and quickenings gradually arose, and 
light shone upon the necessity of every one knowing and keep- 
ing his place in the body, and acting only as the Master ap- 
points ; by which the beautiful order and harmony are pre- 
served. His servants are not to go out with haste, nor to go 
by flight, but the Lord shall go before them, and the God of 
Israel shall be their rereward. The true Shepherd putteth forth 
his own sheep, and goeth before them ; and the sheep follow 
Him ; and He is also their rearguard and defence. 

Every member of the Society has his rights, that others are 
to respect, which if they do, will make them fellow helpers. 
They will be tender of one another, and because of a difference 
of opinion, where religious principles are not involved, will not 
cultivate the spirit that would call down fire upon the head of a 
brother or a sister, but will keep in the suffering Spirit of the 
Eedeemer; who when He was nailed to the cross, said of his 
crucifiers, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they 
do." It is in this heavenly spirit, that we learn, and are en- 
abled to endure hardness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. But 
those who give way to a resentful spirit, towards others, who 
do not see eye to eye with them on some things non-essential, 
not having a tender feeling for the rights and the sufferings of 
their brethren, will be far from enjoying true peace and happi- 
ness; but are like the troubled sea, casting up mire and dirt. 
The young people were encouraged to devote themselves to the 
Lord and his cause; and the afflicted and sorrowful to look to, 
and rely upon Him who can give beauty for ashes, the oil of 
joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
heaviness. 

Many Friends showed their unity with the visit. 

Seventh month 2d. Early this morning my mother-in-law, 
Rebecca Barton, closed a long life, we may safely believe, in 
peace, in the ninety-first year of her age. She was an exem- 
plary Friend, and anxious mother, manifested in her godly care 
over her children when young, that they might be preserved 
from evil ; also in the guard which she kept over her own 
speech ; particularly in avoiding everything prejudicial to the 
reputation of others. She loved and cherished peace towards 
all men. 

4th. To-day we have had much noise in the city; and the 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 581 

many cases of intemperance in young men have been mo irnfui. 
The people seem hardly to think that the Almighty takes any 
cognizance of evil deeds, committed under the pretext of cele- 
brating the Declaration of the Independence of this country, of 
Great Britain. I believe it best and most consistent with our 
religious profession, to keep aloof from all exhibitions of such 
character; designed to celebrate events, attended with the effu- 
sion of human blood. Public parades on various accounts, are 
increasing in our city ; by which life is sometimes put at stake, 
and destroyed, and evil habits of idleness and drunkenness, and 
looseness of principles and manners are thereby contracted by 
the working classes, w T ho are most drawn away with such exhi- 
bitions. Friends may be esteemed narrow-minded, in standing 
opposed to such vanity and wickedness; but there have always 
been witnesses for the truth, who have withstood the popular 
current, and been as the salt to preserve society from becoming 
entirely corrupt. "Great peace have all they that love thy 
law," and keep steadily in the observance of it. When the bus- 
tle and confusion are past, they have nothing to look back upon 
with condemnation. Peace of mind and health of body have 
not been impaired, by a departure from their conscientious con- 
victions, and their example has tended to discourage vice, not 
to lead others into it. 

I have seldom known more desertion of the sense of Divine 
good, than in the last two weeks. I have tried to draw near to 
the Father of mercies, to feel after Him, that I might be en- 
abled to pour forth living aspirations for mercy, and grace to 
help in this time of need; but often it seemed almost impossi- 
ble to keep out the suggestions of the evil one, and utterly be- 
yond my power to attain to any evidence of the extension of 
Divine regard; though I believe there has been secret help be- 
stowed to keep watch against all evil thoughts, words and 
deeds. Sometimes it feels desirable to be released from the con- 
flicts of time ; but then the importance of knowing the day's 
work accomplished, and the soul thoroughly washed, and pre- 
pared for that glorious kingdom, presents with great weight. 
I believe there is no other way to get along rightly, but to bear 
patiently the dispensations of unerring Wisdom, and to trust 
and hope in his unchangeable goodness and compassion,, to- 
wards the souls he has made to glorify Him. 

10th. Our meeting is much reduced by Friends going to the 
38 



582 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

country for health and needful relaxation. Silence reigned in 
the morning sittiDg ; in the afternoon I felt constrained to re- 
vive the testimony of the apostle, " That the trial of your faith 
being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it 
be tried in the fire, might be found unto praise and power and 
glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." True and living faith 
and the necessary dispensations for its trial, are of more value 
to the real christian, than all the gold he can possess. Were 
not our faith reduced at times to a low state, and the mind led 
through conflicts and fears of a very proving nature, we should 
not so fully know the efficacy and the value of saving faith. I 
was led to speak of the reduction and sense of destitution which 
the Lord's children are at times brought into, so as to fear, that 
one day they may fall by the hand of their enemy. But He 
knows our frame and our weakness ; and if in these humbling 
baptisms, we lift up our eye to Him, imploring his protecting 
power, He will not desert us ; but the everlasting arm, though 
invisible to us, will be underneath to support, and to defend us 
from our cruel enemy. And when He sees we have been suffi- 
ciently prostrated, He will lift us up again, and the Sun of 
Righteousness will arise upon us, with healing and renovating 
power and virtue, strengthen us to gird up our loins, put our 
trust anew in Him, and run the race of his appointing and lead- 
ing. Some souls were comforted, and tears of thankfulness 
flowed to the Lord most High; and a dear Friend returned 
thanks, and offered prayer for the continued mercy and preser- 
ving power of the blessed Shepherd of the sheep. 

12th. My wife and myself went out to our brother's, at Spring- 
field, to spend two or three weeks with them. It is a quiet, 
peaceful retreat, where the physical and mental powers may be 
invigorated. 

17th. Was at their first-day meeting; in which it appeared 
to be my place to endeavor to stir up the people to engage more 
fervently in the great work of their own salvation, while time 
and the day of mercy are lengthened to them. We have to 
hope against hope, there appears so little fruit from all the la- 
bor bestowed; and yet how much wider many would stray 
from the fold, we know not, were no warning voice raised, or 
any evidence given, that we are deeply interested in their ever- 
lasting welfare. 

On second-day morning, the 25th, came into the city to our 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 583 

select Preparative Meeting ; also attended our Monthly Meet- 
ing on the 27th, which was satisfactory. 

31st. T was engaged in our first-day morning meeting, in de- 
claring our faith in the Divine authority and the value of the 
Holy Scriptures ; also in the universality of the gift of Divine 
grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; by which the work of 
regeneration and sanctification is effected in the heart of man, 
and he is brought up into the image of God, in which Adam was 
created, and from which he fell by transgression. Holy help 
was mercifully extended, opening these Divine, essential truths 
with clearness, and clothing with authority to communicate 
them; so that, I trust, they reached the'witness in some hearts 
present. 

Eighth month 1st. Our Quarterly Meeting was a solid time ; 
in which my dear wife was drawn forth in sympathy with the 
suffering seed, and led to encourage these to keep the faith 
and patience of the saints; believing the Lord would hear and 
arise for the groans of his children, and deliver them in his way 
and time. E. Pitfield concluded in prayer for the tribulated 
ones, and that we may keep the everlasting patience. There 
was but little business ; the meeting was preserved under a pro- 
per weight. 

4th. Went to Middletown Meeting, where we found a com- 
pany of Friends, who seemed to me to be holding back too much 
from religious service. Some partly from being taken up with 
their worldly business, and partly from diffidence of their ability 
for service. It appeared to be my duty to warn them of the 
engrossing things of this life, which are proper in their right 
place; and also of dwelling too much upon discouraging appre- 
hensions of their own weakness and inability for any good work 
in the church ; but to remember that the enemy is at hand to 
urge such thoughts, for the purpose of deterring us from seek- 
ing the Lord for strength, and from laying hold of it, when 
offered, with the pointings of duty. Even a few faithful, devo- 
ted ones, may be instrumental in stirring up others to yield to 
the Lord's requirings, and to show themselves openly on his 
side. It was a low time in Israel, when Jonathan and his ar- 
mor-bearer showed themselves to the Philistines, who unwit- 
tingly confirmed the sign of victory; and by faith in the Lord's 
power, they attacked their enemies, and led the way for their 
being put to rout; the Lord in a marvellous manner striking 



584: JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

terror through the host, and setting their swords against one 
another. I thought Divine goodness, and the quickening virtue 
of the Holy Spirit, was a little felt among us. 

11th. I felt drawn in love to Friends of Salem Quarterly- 
Meeting, and went to Woodbury through some discouragements; 
where I was kindly received by many Friends The removal 
by death of several substantial and elderly members out of this 
meeting, is keenly felt by the rightly -concerned among them. 
But it seems to me, though we may not always be able to see it, 
that the Lord is leading some of the young ones in secret, to 
look at the condition of Zion, and to long for her strength and 
enlargement. Whatever may be the discouragements which 
this class, and those of deeper experience may endure, if they 
look to Him, He will sustain through all, bring them up out of 
low places, and cause them, if faithful to his pointings, to go on 
their way rejoicing. " The Lord's portion is his people ; Jacob 
is the lot of his inheritance; He found him in a desert land, and 
in the waste, howling wilderness ; He led him about, He in- 
structed him, He kept him as the apple of his eye." It is often 
He thus instructs his children, and prepares them for service in 
his church ; and as they are entirely devoted to Him, He gives 
them gifts to be occupied for the edification of others, and their 
own salvation. 

In his renewed mercy, He raised me up to declare of his good- 
ness and compassion, and my belief that a succession of testi- 
mony and standard-bearers, would be again and again raised up 
among us, to maintain the principles and testimonies which He 
called our forefathers to promulgate. It was a season of re- 
newed favor and comfort to us, and I hope some were cheered 
and strengthened, and the praise ascribed to Him to whom 
alone it belongs. In the afternoon returned home peaceful. 

14th. First-day. The weather is extremely warm, and has 
been so most of the time since the Sixth month. Many have 
been overcome with the heat, according to the accounts publish- 
ed in the papers, and some have died suddenly. Our religious 
meetings are greatly reduced ; but I hope many of those who 
continue in the city, are praying in spirit, that the Lord will 
regard us in our low estate. 

I was engaged to refer to the vision of the stone cut out of 
the mountain without hands, which smote and broke to pieces 
the image, and ground it to powder, so that it was carried away 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 585 

like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor. It grew until it 
filled the whole earth. Showing the power and final prevalence 
of the kingdom of Christ, and the weakness of every obstacle 
placed in his way. This is also to be experienced in ourselves ; 
that every idol man is worshipping, instead of the living God, 
may be destroyed ; every high thing laid low, and the Lord 
alone exalted in the heart. Herein we shall be brought to the 
enjoyment of true peace and happiness, and a solid ground to 
hope for a place among the saints in light, when the end comes. 

15th. Went to Germantown, and attended the funeral of our 
late friend Ann Mifflin, who died in her seventy-fifth year; 
having been a member, I am told, of our Monthly Meeting, from 
her birth. She was attached to our principles and testimonies, 
and was placed in the station of elder several years ago. One 
after another of the older members are removing, who occupied 
stations in the church, and it ought to be the prayer of surviv- 
ors, that the Lord in mercy would lay his hand upon sons and 
daughters, and bring them under a living concern for them- 
selves, and for his blessed cause ; that a succession of standard- 
bearers may be continued, to attract others to the blessed cause 
of the Eedeemer. 

Ninth month 2d. To-morrow commences Ohio Yearly Meet- 
ing; which brings with it the feeling of deep interest and sym- 
pathy with our dear friends there, who bear the burden and 
heat of the day. It is desirable they may be enabled to look to 
their own condition, and labor to repair and build up the 
breaches, and to derive a little comfort from the fresh extend- 
ings of heavenly good ; showing that the Lord has not deserted 
them nor the cause they espouse. 

8th. In conversation on the peculiar state of our Society, 
and in reference to the wishes of some for separation, I took the 
opportunity to say that I did not unite with Friends running 
out of a back door, to get away from trouble. Our place is to 
stand firm and face it openly, contending for the truth, and op- 
posing wrong things as they appear. Separation deprives those 
who leave, of the opportunity of opposing error in the members 
from whom they have separated ; and none know how soon 
something may again arise among themselves, to create conten- 
tion, and lead to another separation. If we keep our places, 
and bear a faithful testimony for the truth, and against all de- 
partures from it, though at the time we do not see the effect, 



586 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1853. 

yet we may believe that the Lord will carry that testimony 
home to the hearts of some, so that it will arise from time to 
time with convincing power, and finally prevail. Jerusalem is 
a burdensome stone, to those who would pervert and turn judg- 
ment backward, and the Lord can save by few or by many. 

"Where unsanctified persons obtain the rule, and seek to carry 
out measures opposed to the principles or testimonies of the gos- 
pel, the rightly concerned and faithful members, should labor in 
the ability the Lord gives, to prevent their adoption. Should 
their efforts be disregarded, they will be clear, if they have done 
what they could ; the Lord will plead his own cause, and we hope 
will in his time, make way for the truth to rise into dominion. 
Seducers and evil-workers will wax worse and worse ; they will 
be removed by death as well as others ; and through patient 
suffering, a right seed keeping their places, will be prepared to 
take the government, under the Blessed Head, and to restore 
the good old way, in which our primitive Friends walked, and 
to put down what is inconsistent therewith. 

11th. Our first-day meeting was evidently larger than it had 
been for weeks ; the weather being cool and fine. From some 
cause the meetings are at times laborious seasons, it is so diffi- 
cult to attain that seclusion from worldly things, indispensa- 
ble to the performance of spiritual worship. I felt for some 
strangers who came in, and towards the latter part of the meet- 
ing, was moved to hold forth the doctrine, that man is not left 
to his own exertions to find out the will of God concerning him, 
but it is immediately made known to him by the Holy Spirit, 
which enlightens the dark heart; and as those manifestations 
are obeyed, it gives the power to forsake sin, and to do those 
things which it requires ; in doing which, the work of regenera- 
tion is carried on, and a total change of heart is effected. I be- 
lieve the testimony reached some present with conviction, though 
they do not obey the Truth as they should do. 

18th. A day of remarkable absence of all sense of Divine 
good, attended with difficulty in withdrawing the mind from 
worldly cogitations, and centering it upon spiritual things. It 
was a decided proof of the weakness and nothingness of man, 
unable without the help of the Holy Spirit, to think a good 
thought, or to command the least evidence of heavenly notice 
or regard. Surely there must be a design in being thus stripped. 
May it more and more humble me into the dust, preserve from 



1S53.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 587 

relying on j^ast experience, and prepare for the manifestation of 
fresh mercy, and the ability to declare of the Lord's power and 
goodness, and faithfulness to his poor creature, man, in the re- 
newed extension of it to my soul in the'hour of need, and when 
He sees meet. 

19th. This morning I awoke with desires to lay aside all un- 
necessary anxiety, and to put my trust in the Lord; assured 
that He would preserve those who looked to Him, and would sus- 
tain his own cause. The language passed through my mind, 
" They that trust in the Lord, shall not be confounded ; they 
shall be as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed." The holy 
presence seemed to be near. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 

1853—1854. 

Keligious Services at and about Home. 

1853, Xinth month 25th. We have had a good meeting 
this morning at Orange Street. My dear wife addressed those 
who were brought under conviction for their empty, fruitless 
manner of life, and were now favored to see the need of a 
change. ISTear the close, I underwent the humiliating service 
of vocal supplication, in much brokenness, for the deliverance 
of such souls out of bondage and Egyptian darkness; and that 
during the Divine administration of judgment, they might know 
the Spirit of the Lord lifted up, as a standard against the enemy, 
who would seek to frustrate his work in them. Also, for the 
Lord's children : that as He knew the trials, fears and buffetings 
they passed through, He would not forsake them ; but renew 
their faith, and keep them in the hollow of his Omnipotent 
hand, that so they may show forth the efficacy of the religion 
of the Son of God, for the sake of those among whom they 
dwell, and for generations yet to come : that from the rising of 
the sun, to the going down of the same, his great Xunie, and 



588 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1853. 



the name of his dear Son, may be glorified and magnified, and 
through mercy, salvation may be granted to us in the end. The 
difficulty of utterance was very abasing ; but I thought it was 
good to be made a fool, if it were for Christ's sake, and the good 
of others as well as myself. 

Tenth month 9th. I felt impelled to bring to view the great 
difference there is between those, who, according to the apos- 
tolic injunction, pray without ceasing, and in everything give 
thanks, and those who rarely pray, and who feel thankful for 
none of the blessings they partake of; which is truly a fearful 
condition. It appeared to me, if we live in the element of 
prayer and thanksgiving, there will be Divine life, and a fervent 
concern for the support and promotion of the cause and king- 
dom of Christ. But when he that rideth on the pale horse, whose 
name is death, is sent to our habitation, what hope can those 
have who neglect true prayer, but have been wrapped up in 
their own selfishness and the things of time, without gratitude 
for favors ; and have turned the back on the convicting power 
of Divine Grace ? They may cry, if they have the time granted 
to do it, Lord, have mercy upon me ! but how can they expect 
mercy, seeing they have rejected the calls of the Lord, when 
He visited and extended to them the offers of his mercy, and 
they refused to receive and obey Him. Another class was also 
present, who are concerned to dwell in the spirit of prayer for 
strength and preservation; and to give thanks in the fire and 
in the waters, which are not permitted to kindle upon or to 
overwhelm them. I thought Divine help was extended, and 
that the power of Christ was felt among us. 

19th. This morning, under a humbling sense of the many 
mercies which have been extended to me, I was contrited to 
tears before my gracious Heavenly Father, and enabled to 
breathe to Him fervent prayer, that He would be pleased in his 
mercy, to preserve me from doing anything that would grieve 
his Holy Spirit, wound my own soul, or the precious cause 
which lie has called us to support before the world. Secret 
desires were also raised for our religious Society, that He would 
defend it, and the tribulated sufferers in it, from the enemy that 
is seeking to divide and scatter us, and prevent us from exalting 
the doctrines and testimonies of the gospel, as they have been 
opened unto us by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

2Hd. At our meeting, after a time of struggling against the 



1853.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 589 



inroads of things foreign to the great object for which we as- 
sembled, the subject of being met in the name of Christ, and 
the efficacy of united prayer to the Father of mercies, came 
with weight before me ; which I believed it required of me to 
open to the meeting. The worship that is accepted by Him, 
which is in spirit and in truth, must be performed individually; 
through the quickening power of the great Minister of the 
sanctuary and true tabernacle, which God hath pitched and not 
man. But if the prayers of two or three, offered in the name of 
Christ, shall be answered, how much greater cloud of incense will 
arise, if the whole congregation is brought to unite in fervent 
aspirations to the throne of Grace, for the bread of life, to nour- 
ish the immortal soul. He knows how long to try our faith be- 
fore He appears in the heart; but when He comes, to those who 
open the door, He will enter and sup with them, and they with 
Him. This is the Lord's supper ; which is inward and spiritual ; 
in which the bread that comes from Him, and the wine of the 
kingdom, are partaken of, to the refreshment and strength of 
the patient, waiting soul. For this we are not dependent upon 
any man, however great his gifts, or his experience; he has no 
more command over this heavenly food, than any other; but all 
must wait upon the Lord for it, in sincerity and truth ; and all 
may partake of it at his table, if they are prepared by Him to 
be made recipients of it. 

My wife closed the meeting with supplication, in a solemn, 
impressive manner. I thought Divine goodness was extended 
to us, and that his power spread over the assembly. There 
were present a number of strangers. 

Eleventh month 7th. For many days I have been shut up, 
and all ability to preach the gospel has been withdrawn, as 
though I should never more be called into the work. I have 
been almost destitute of any sense of the quickening power ; 
and I saw that no former openings or favors would give the 
least ability or authority to put forth a hand in this solemn and 
weighty work. I have endeavored to keep inward, and looking 
to the Lord, though I could not see or feel Him present ; yet I 
believed it was the only place of safety, and the right way to be 
profited by these stripping dispensations. None know the feel- 
ings of destitution, produced by the absence of the Beloved of 
souls, but those who have been bound to Him in the everlasting 
covenant, and can be satisfied with nothing but the balm which 



590 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1853. 



He gives, and the fresh arisings of the Sun of Eighteousness, 
with healing in his wings. Here is exercised and known the 
faith and the patience of the saints. As these are steadily kept, 
these dispensations purge man from all confidence in his own 
wisdom and strength, and bring him to see that he is nothing; 
and that nothing but the renewed visitation and putting forth 
of the blessed and compassionate Saviour, can ever qualify for 
the work of the ministry; or any other religious service in the 
church. 

10th. This morning, my wife and myself, went to Evesham 
Monthly Meeting, New Jersey. My wife spoke to those pre- 
sent, in a sympathizing and encouraging manner, and inviting 
them to increasing dedication and faithfulness. The expressions 
of our Lord to his disciples, saluted my mind with quickening 
virtue, "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are breth- 
ren;" and after a time, I felt a motion to revive them, with 
those He addressed to them at another time, " Ye call me Lord 
and Master, and ye say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord 
and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one 
another's feet." I was led to treat on the importance of being 
baptized and washed by Him, and then to be employed in pro- 
moting the work of sanctification in others. As we come into 
this blessed experience, being born alike of the Spirit, we shall 
be brethren, knowing the unity and fellowship of the gospel 
to prevail among us. 

12th. Attended Upper Evesham Monthly Meeting, held at 
this place, in which we were both engaged in the ministry of 
the gospel; I believe to the solemnizing of some present, whose 
hearts were open to receive it. 

13th. Went to Crop well Meeting, being first-day, which, it 
was said, was large for it. After sitting some time, and feeling 
the indifference which prevails in many on the subject of reli- 
gion, I was led to advert to the circumstance, that persons en- 
gaging in any business to obtain a livelihood, must be aware that 
it could not be advantageously conducted without steady atten- 
tion and diligence. Yaluable crops could not be expected from 
their farms, if they work industriously for a short time, and 
then leave it ; proper system and diligence are necessary to in- 
sure good returns; everything being done in its season, and care- 
fully looked after. So in the great work of salvation, which is 
of far greater moment than the provision for these tabernacles 



1853.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 591 

of clay. No advancement can be expected by those, who for a 
short time, give up to the convictions of duty, and then conclude 
they may forbear, and let the work drop for awhile; perhaps 
they think until they have more leisure, or have accomplished 
some worldly project. They may suppose religion can be taken 
up when they please; but it is out of our power to command one 
of the days of the Son of Man, by whom alone the work is be- 
gun and perfected. None know whether He will ever again 
renew those heavenly visitations. There is a day granted in 
which man may work ; but he may out-sin that day. It will 
then be impossible for him to work, and the things that belong 
to his peace will be hid from his eyes, as it was declared respect- 
ing the people of Jerusalem. They were earnestly labored with 
to persuade every one deeply to consider these things, and to 
lay hold of the offers of Divine Grace ; that they may glorify 
God in their day, and be made partakers of the hope of the gos- 
pel, even the salvation of the soul. 

The retrospect of this little turn-out, afforded a peaceful feel- 
ing, in the belief that the Lord was mercifully with us, pre- 
served us on the watch, so that nothing was said or done to 
cause uneasiness ; and in his goodness renewedly qualified, by 
his quickening power, to visit the lowly seed, to sound an alarm 
to some, and to comfort them that mourn. 

17th. To-day we went to G-errnantown, and were present at 
a marriage. A large number of strangers, not of our Society, 
were there ; to whom the work of sanctification, and the faith- 
fulness of Him, who begins and carries it on to the end, as we 
keep near to Him, was preached, I trust, in the authority of 
the Divine anointing. 

20th. The meeting this morning at Orange Street, was a 
solemn time of ingathering before the Lord, producing contri- 
tion, and raising in the soul feelings of humble thanksgiving, 
prayer and praise, as in the presence of the Searcher of hearts, 
and the compassionate Shepherd of the sheep. 

23d. Our Monthly Meeting was held to-day. The subject of 
purchasing a piece of ground out of the city for a graveyard, 
was before us, and the proposition to do so adopted. I felt 
drawn to express the desire, that if it should be accomplished, 
we might keep to our plain way of interring the dead, without 
any kind of ornament, or monument about the graves. If a 
proper place is procured, safely and substantially inclosed, and 



592 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1853. 



put in charge of a suitable, trusty caretaker, and the bodies 
decently interred, it is all we need. The dust shall return to 
the earth as it was, and the spirit unto God who gave it. But 
if we depart, by little and little, from our religious testimonies 
to the purity and simplicity of the gospel of Christ, in our hum- 
ble manner of living, or our plain way of laying out and bury- 
ing the dead, we shall fall by little and little, and gradually lose 
the character we have once had as a body of humble, spiritually- 
minded Christians. Several Friends expressed their full unity 
with the remarks I made on the occasion. 

Having felt a religious concern to attend Buck's Quarterly 
Meeting, I got my son-in-law to take me ; and we set out in time 
to reach Fallsington before dusk, a distance of about twenty- 
seven miles, the roads being good and the weather mild. 

24th. During the night the wind changed into the northwest, 
and the morning being clear and cool, I walked out for exercise, 
and passing around the old meeting-house, its venerable and 
plain appearance, reminded me of former days, when Friends 
were a united body of people; among whom there were many sub- 
stantial ministers and elders, loving one another, and the precious 
cause of Truth, and zealously concerned to uphold and promote 
it in the earth. Now there are two meeting-houses, and two 
distinct societies, calling themselves Friends, who assemble on 
this ground, but holding, in several essential points, different 
doctrinal views. What a stumbling effect, it seemed to me, this 
must have upon tender-spirited persons, whose minds may be 
drawn to look towards Friends ; who, from their rise have made 
profession of the inward, heart-changing religion of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. I felt sorrowful as I walked over the grounds, 
and reflected on the devastation which the world, and the enemy 
of all righteousness, has effected among us. 

The meeting convened at eleven o'clock. The impression 
came over me, that in every age of the church, the Lord has 
had his witnesses, who maintained their love and allegiance 
unto Him. Noah and his family bore testimony against the 
wickedness of the people, when it was said that all flesh had 
corrupted its way upon the earth. Lot was preserved in Sodom, 
when their evil deeds vexed his righteous soul ; and so I be- 
lieved there were those preserved at this day, who mourn over 
the degeneracy that has spread through our borders, and are 
looking for better days. But it appeared to me, that it would not 



1853.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 593 

do to be looking without, for this restoration. When the Phari- 
sees asked our Lord when the kingdom of God should appear, 
He told them, " The kingdom of God cometh not with observa- 
tion ; neither shall they say, Lo here ! or Lo there ! for behold 
the kingdom of God is within you." It is in the heart we must 
witness it to come. We have been long contending, and in the 
authority of Christ, for the doctrines of the gospel, and necessa- 
rily testifying against error ; but it is needful to guard against 
transferring our religion from the heart to the head, and acting 
in our own zeal. 

It is the inside of the cup and the platter that is first to be 
cleansed, and then the outside will be clean also. We may re- 
ceive our principles by education ; but some were asked what 
they knew of Christ sitting in their hearts as a refiner's fire, 
and as a fuller with soap, to purify them by his baptism of the 
Holy Ghost and fire, and to prepare them as temples for the 
Lord God by his Spirit, to dwell in. At the rise of Friends, 
many believed in the fundamental doctrines of the christian re- 
ligion, but were little acquainted with the work of regenera- 
tion ; and Friends were sent forth to gather them to the Light 
and Grace' with which Christ enlightens every man that cometh 
into the world ; that they might experience this change of heart, 
wrought by it in them. This is what we need to be brought 
back unto. One of the principal men told George Fox, that if 
he had not been sent to preach this Light and Grace, the coun- 
try would have run into ranterism. I was led to show Friends 
the danger of being drawn away by anything, from this Divine 
guide and preserving power, as manifested in the heart ; but by 
keeping faithful to it, the snares of the enemy, whatever they 
were, would be detected, and power given us over them all. 

Then the word of comfort for the secret travailing ones 
sprang in my heart, whom I was led to address in the language 
of sympathy, and assurance that the Lord would not suffer the 
principles and testimonies given Friends to bear, to fall to the 
ground ; but they would yet spread from sea to sea, and from 
the rivers to the ends of the earth, until the kingdoms of this 
world become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ ; and 
from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, praises 
as incense, would ascend from prepared, humbled hearts, before 
the throne of the Lord God and of the Lamb, for his mercy, and 
goodness to the children of men. 



594 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. T1853 

Twelfth month 4th. Was held our first evening meeting this 
winter ; a part of which was laborious ; but before the close, a 
more inward, solemnizing covering was experienced. 

6th. Went to Westtown, and attended the Quarterly Meet- 
ing of the committee held there. 

In the meeting of the committee on fourth-day, after getting 
through with the business, Samuel Bettle, Sr., remarked, there 
was something of importance which money could not purchase. 
It was, that Friends should be preserved under a right exercise, 
that the institution may be conducted in such manner, as to 
support the primitive doctrines and testimonies of Friends, and 
educate the children in them. This was the original concern, 
and it had been blessed; and he believed, as Friends kept to 
this ground, a blessing would continue to rest upon the school. 
He spoke in a feeling manner ; and being now in his eightieth 
year, it seemed like a legacy left to the younger members, who 
might survive him, to bear in mind in the future management 
of the seminary. It was responded to, and had a good effect 
upon the feelings of many. Returned home in the evening. 

7th. Was at the Arch Street Meeting, which was held in as 
deep silence as I have almost ever known ; though there was a 
large number of children present. I was contemplating my 
own imperfections, and felt unworthy to be employed in the 
Lord's work ; yet was a little comforted in the belief, that the 
condescending mercy and goodness of the everlasting Shepherd 
were round about, and hovering over us. It is as necessary to 
keep silence when it is the Lord's will, as to speak under his 
authority. There were children present, who should be taught 
by solemn silence, the nature of spiritual worship, as well as by 
vocal testimony. 

21st. Having my mind drawn to the Western Meeting, 
which I had not attended for a long time, I believed it right to 
give up to go there. A solemn silence spread over the meeting, 
under which we sat a considerable time, and the blessedness of 
having begotten in us a true hunger and thirst after the bread 
and water of life, came before me, attended with the conviction, 
that however strong our desires may be, Divine nourishment 
must be waited for. It is out of our power to command it. 
The Lord knows how long to keep us in this waiting state, and 
He alone can and will supply it in his time. ISTo imaginary en- 
joyment, produced by creaturely excitement or activity, is to 



1854] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 595 

be compared with the love of God shed abroad in the heart by 
the Holy Spirit. This dependent state has been the ground on 
which the true disciple of Christ has stood ; and whatever may 
be onr gifts, experience or growth in the Truth, it will always 
remain to be the ground on which we must stand, to receive 
ability to worship God in spirit, partake of the supper of the 
Lord, and rightly to engage in promoting the kingdom of the 
Eedeemer. 

Under the clothing of true charity, and the desire that we 
might be brought to a living experience of the substance, I was 
enabled -to invite all to gather to Christ, in his inward appear- 
ance in the soul, not depending on any other; for the Lord will 
not give his glory to another, nor his praise to any graven image. 
Also warning against expecting salvation without obeying Him, 
forsaking their sins, and confessing Him before men. 

27th. Calamities of different kinds are assailing men. The 
Turks and Eussians are now at war ; and to-day we hear of a 
naval engagement in which many war ships were destroyed, 
and no doubt hundreds of immortal souls launched into an awful 
eternity. A great fire in JSTew York, this morning, burnt several 
large ships ; one of them said to be the largest merchant vessel 
in the world, entirely new, and loaded with a valuable cargo. 
These commotions, and the destruction of property, represent 
the affairs of the world, as affording little evidence of the sta- 
bility of property, or the enjoyment which is expected to be de- 
rived from it. 

1854, First month 8th. The weather cold. Our evening 
meeting was large, and the silence that spread over us was such 
as might be felt, giving reason to believe that the good Master 
was with us. There were, however, fears of a disposition in 
some, to look for words, instead of gathering to the Master in 
themselves, and laboring to wait for his arising, to administer 
to their states. Looking out to others, creates apprehensions 
that the design of these meetings is not answered ; and perhaps 
some of us in the station of ministers, may be more anxious than 
is proper, that the people may not be dissatisfied, so as to for- 
sake them. 

18th. After sitting in our week-day meeting, until near time 
to go to the business of the Preparative Meeting, I felt afraid to 
depart without reviving the circumstance of our Divine Master, 
the Son of the Highest, washing his disciples' feet, and wiping 



596 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

them with the towel with which He was girded. Herein He 
set us a striking example of humility. He told them, "Ye 
ought al*o to wash one another's feet ;" indicating that we 
should labor for one another's purification and welfare. It is 
in this spirit that we shall feel the unity and fellowship of the 
gospel to extend to one another, as we have been washed our 
selves, and are kept clean by the Word which He speaks to us. 

22d. The evening meeting to-day was smaller than they 
were at the first, but it was quiet and solid. It felt to me, that 
Divine mercy and compassion were round about the afflicted 
seed ; and that the Lord would help and deliver these, though 
the dragon may cast floods out of his mouth, to sweep them, 
if he could, from the foundation. But the Lord will lift up his 
Holy Spirit as a standard against him. The meeting closed 
under a feeling of solemnity. 

Second month 3d. My brother Thomas and myself having 
undertaken to print a new edition of Piety Promoted, compris- 
ing all the volumes up to the year 1828, I have been much en- 
gaged for a few days in reading proofs. I have been struck 
with the great proportion of those faithful men and women, — 
some of whom attained great experience in the Truth, — who 
died at a much earlier age than mine. Though I have endeav- 
ored to perform what the Lord has called me to do, it seems but 
little, and my growth small, compared with many of them; but 
if we have the testimony of Divine acceptance in the end, it 
will be enough. 

An attempt is now making to pass a law in Congress, allow- 
ing the Nebraska Territory, which is a larger country than all 
the Free States together, except California, to be settled by 
slaveholders with their negroes. It lies north of thirty-six de- 
grees thirty minutes, north latitude, and is part of what was 
ceded by the French government to the United States, then 
called Louisiana. At the time Missouri was taken into the 
Union as a State, there was an agreement entered into between 
the Northern and Southern members of Congress, that slavery 
should be forever excluded from all the United States, north of 
that latitude; which agreement was called the Missouri Com- 
promise, and was acceded to as one of the terms, of admitting 
slavery to be introduced into the State of Missouri. At the pros- 
pect of such a gross violation of the faith of the nation, then 
solemnly pledged ; and the spreading of the horrible system of 



1S54.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 597 

unconditional bondage over many hundred thousands of square 
miles of new country, the Committee of the Meeting for Suffer- 
ings, appointed to watch the movements of legislative bodies, pre- 
pared an essay of a memorial to Congress, remonstrating against 
the iniquitous measure, and also reviving our testimony against 
the slavery of the colored people. 

At a special meeting held to-day, the subject was duly con- 
sidered, and the essay united with ; a committee being appointed 
to present it to the President, and both Houses of Congress, and 
to have printed a sufficient number to supply every member of 
both Houses with a copy ; also the Governors of the respective 
States ; and for such farther circulation as may be judged need- 
ful. It is mournful to reflect upon the want of principle mani- 
fested my many, who have no scruple against enlarging the 
area of the abominable crime of slaveholding, if their popularity 
can be promoted, so as to gain offices in the government, and 
partake of the public funds, by the aid of the Southern people; 
whose interest, in this case, they would be thought to serve. 
What will become of our country, if we are to be ruled by men, 
who disregard the principles of justice and truth, and sacrifice 
the best interests and the rights of the people, to their own 
a££rrandizement. Friends have been industriouslv eno-a^ed in 
obtaining signatures to another short remonstrance, opposing 
the violation of the Compromise, and forwarding them to Wash- 
ington. 

5th. We had a large meeting this evening at the Arch Street 
house. A solemn silence, for nearly one hour, was over the 
assembly; and feeling my mind moved towards the young peo- 
ple, who had been drawn into covenant with the Lord, I was 
led to address them in the language of the Psalmist, " The Lord 
God is a sun and a shield to all them who walk uprightly," and 
the declaration to Abraham, " I am thy shield, and thy exceed- 
ing great reward." 

6th. ATas held our Quarterly Meeting, which was very large. 
The testimonies of the Society were advocated, during the time 
of answering the Queries, and some thought it was a lively 
and strengthening opportunity. At the close of the meeting, I 
was informed of the decease of our friend Wm. Forster, of Eng- 
land, in Tennessee, at a house of entertainment, about twelve 
miles from Knoxville. He bad been sick from four to five weeks, 
and his life terminated on the 27th of last month. The death 
39 



598 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

of such a Friend, so far from his native home, among people not 
Friends, and where probably many things necessary to make 
him comfortable, could not be procured; after having been en- 
gaged more than fifty years in the service of the cause of reli- 
gion, has very much affected me. But if we are prepared to be 
carried by angels, into the realms of ineifable bliss, it matters 
little what becomes of the tabernacle of clay. Yet such are the 
tender feelings of near connections and friends, they would de- 
sire to have every comfort extended to body and mind in the 
last conflict, that it would be in their power to bestow; and that 
the sufferer might be spared the peculiar trial and anxiety, he 
would be likely to feel under those circumstances, of far separa- 
tion from his near and dear relations. But the Lord can sup- 
port, and make up every deficiency. He was buried, we have 
been informed, in the graveyard at Newberry, belonging to 
Friends. 

9th. The remonstrance of the Meeting for Sufferings, has 
been presented to both Houses, and published in several news- 
papers. Some writers express the opinion that the bill will be 
passed into a law ; but the Lord can defeat all their evil designs, 
if He sees meet. 

14th. I went to Quarterly Meeting for business, at Concord, 
without purse or scrip, expecting to occupy a low seat before 
the Master. After several others had spoken, I was led to ad- 
dress some, who had departed from the law written in the heart, 
and yet at times were met with, as in a narrow place, under the 
convicting power of Truth ; by which they were condemned, 
and brought to see that their ways do not please God, and that 
they needed a change of their course. These were pleaded with 
in the love of Christ, to yield to the heavenly vision; or the day 
may come, when in the prospect of eternity, they would mourn 
over their misspent time, and their slighted mercies, when it 
would be too late ; and wish they could go back and recall those 
merciful visitations, for which they then would be willing to 
part with all they possessed ; but it would be out of their power. 
Now, instead of selling all to purchase the pearl of great price, 
they were selling their time, the Lord's gifts, and his calls, 
to purchase the world and the riches and honors of it. The 
power of the Lord appeared to be present, to heal some, and to 
gather them, from the improper pursuit of the world, unto him- 
self.; and a deep solemnity spread over the meeting, tendering 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 599 

the hearts of not a few. It was the Lord's doings, and I trust 
that thanksgivings were secretly offered to Him for his mercy 
and condescending goodness to us, poor unworthy creatures. 

When the Queries and Answers respecting pernicious books 
were read, I felt an intimation to mention the great danger of 
reading novels, or any work designed to invalidate the christian 
faith. I had been enabled to hold such works in detestation; 
but at one time, a package of goods sent to the store, where I was 
an apprentice, was wrapped in a printed sheet, containing poison- 
ous sentiments, and having read a few lines, Satan beset me 
many times afterwards, with them, so that I had much difficulty 
to entirely discard their impression. I mentioned it as a warning 
to the young men, not to tamper with such books ; for they 
knew not the dangerous consequences that may result from 
them ; advising them to keep to the Holy Scriptures, the writ- 
ings of Friends, and works conveying useful information. 

On the 20th, it commenced snowing, and continued about 
twenty-four hours, with a strong east wind. So great were the 
drifts, particularly in some of the east and west streets of our 
city, that in some business parts of the town, the merchants 
hired persons to cart the snow to the river. We have not had 
so great a fall of snow for several years. 

Third month 5th. This has been a peaceful day to me. At 
supper this evening, during the precious silence, I felt my heart 
clothed with reverence and thankfulness, to our gracious heaven- 
ly Benefactor, for his many blessings, temporal and spiritual. 
Several of our father's grand-children, and my sister H. Ehoads, 
sitting around the table, we adverted to the days of our youth, 
and felt as if we had the near unity and approbation of our dear 
parents — long since entered the enjoyment of an everlasting, 
glorious reward. 

28th. My wife and I attended the first-day meeting at Spring- 
field, and next day their Monthly Meeting at Middletown. To 
me it was pleasant to see so many Friends convene to transact 
the business of the Monthly Meeting. It gave the impression, 
that there was an honest concern amongst them, to support our 
religious testimonies; and I felt united to some who offer wil- 
lingly, and desired they might increase in fervent devotion to 
the good cause we are called to advocate in the earth. So many 
have grown cold in their love to the blessed Truth, that a con- 
cern was felt that a remnant may be kept, through faith and 



600 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

obedience, who shall act nobly in the Lord's service ; and that 
many more may be drawn to join themselves to Him and to his 
cause. Thus, from generation to generation, a constant succes- 
sion of living witnesses to his power, in themselves and in the 
church, may be raised up, who shall be clothed with a lively 
zeal for the Lord's honor, and to lift up the banner of Truth 
and righteousness, in the clearness and authority with which 
our first Friends displayed it before the people. 

Fourth month 15th. Our Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders convened to-day, and was smaller than I ever witnessed 
it, since I have been a member ; but it was a season of ingather- 
ing to the Master, and I hope strengthening to the faith of some. 
Some considered it one of the most favored opportunities they 
had experienced for years, resembling seasons of instruction 
before the troublous times we have, in latter years, endured. 

24th. Our Yearly Meeting for business commenced on the 
17th, and was smaller than usual on that day, owing to the 
snow, which had obstructed the roads in some places, so as to 
detain some Friends from getting into the city ; and probably 
delicate persons may have been discouraged from turning out 
by the inclement weather. 

While reading the Queries and Answers on third-day morn- 
ing and afternoon, there was shown strong religious interest in 
the support of our christian testimonies. Several Friends spoke 
pertinently to various departures from them, manifested by the 
answers; and a covering of solemnity and religious weight 
spread over us ; in which I believe the value of those distin- 
guishing testimonies was felt by many; and we may hope, 
through the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, their excel- 
lency may have been felt, in an increased degree, and the true 
zeal stirred for living up to them more faithfully. The younger 
part of the meeting had the opportunity of hearing the instruc- 
tive and persuasive remarks of some of their elder brethren, 
whose services, no doubt, made deep and salutary impression on 
their minds. 

A few Friends were verbally appointed to draft a minute on 
the modern expensiveness and show in laying out the dead, 
burying in grounds not under the care of Friends, and against 
monuments of wood or stone. In the afternoon, the same 
Friends were directed to prepare a minute against a hireling 
or man-made ministry ; and admonishing Friends to abstain 



1854.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 601 

from going to places where such a ministry is exercised ; thus 
acting contrary to the repeated advice given by the Yearly 
Meeting. 

Throughout the week, the business was conducted with reli- 
gious weight and much harmony; every one, with little ex- 
ception, acting with much propriety and decorum, and show- 
ing a serious feeling of the importance of holding such a. 
meeting, and that all should conduct themselves as becomes 
the church of God. The meeting closed on the 21st, in 
deep and solemn silence; under which, many Friends parted 
in the tendering conviction, that we had great cause reve- 
rently to bow before the Lord, and to return thanks to his 
great Name, for his mercy and kindness to us poor unwor- 
thy creatures, in uniting and solemnizing us together, as we had 
been. 

Fifth month. I thought we had a solid Quarterly Meeting ; 
the extracts brought over it a solemnity that was felt. 

20th. I have been several days closely employed at my store, 
assisting in the business, and also in sending to distant sub- 
scribers, copies of Piety Promoted, which my brother Thomas 
and myself, have recently printed. While engaged in the 
labor, the reflection that the valuable matter contained in this 
work, will be thereby placed in the hands of many young peo- 
ple, and through the Divine blessing, may be .the means of 
awakening sons and daughters to the work of their soul's sal- 
vation, compensates for all the trouble, and raises the hope, it 
may be instrumental in drawing them to the love of the Truth; 
that by it they may be prepared for service in the church of 
Christ. The hope of being made use of by the Lord, in turning 
many to righteousness, sweetens the labor, and gives the feeling 
of not living merely for pecuniary gain, but at the same time, 
contributing to the spread of the Eedeemer's kingdom. 

25th. I attended the Arch Street Monthly Meeting, which 
was very small, especially on the women's side, the weather being 
wet. In the first sitting, my mind was drawn into sympathy with 
some, who feel discouraged, by the many evils which stand in 
the way of maintaining the cause of Truth, and are ready to 
conclude, at times, they would lay us waste. They were re- 
ferred to our individual experience of the absence of the Be- 
loved of souls, and to his return, as we keep inward in faith 
and patience ; by which we are confirmed in his faithfulness to 



602 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

us. "We may then safely hope and trust that He will continue 
to visit us as a people, and to raise up standard and testimony 
bearers; and that the principles of the gospel given us to sup- 
port, will not be permitted to fall to the ground. I believed 
there were those living, who would see the day, though I was 
neither prophet nor prophet's son, when gifts will be given, to 
be occupied in the church ; by which the Lord's name will be 
glorified amongst us. Those members who trample on our tes- 
timonies, and despise those who keep to them, will find it a heavy 
burthen, when laid on a death bed, to have turned any aside 
from the faithful acknowledgment of them. 

28th. First-day morning, we had a large meeting at our 
house in Orange Street. 

The language of the apostle, " It is a faithful saying and wor- 
thy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world 
to save sinners, of whom I am chief," had been on my mind 
from the early part of the meeting. The impression continu- 
ing, I ventured to hold forth the preciousness of this doctrine, 
when brought home with living faith, to a soul borne down with 
the weight of sin and transgression. Such should remember, 
that a mere belief of these truths, as recorded in the New Tes- 
tament, would avail nothing, unless they were brought to realize 
them in themselves, by receiving Christ into their hearts. It 
was testified, before He came in the prepared body, "Thou shalt 
call his name Jesus, for He shall save his people from their sins." 
If He is received in the heart, He will pull down the kingdom 
of Satan, bind him and cast him out, spoil all his goods, and 
make the heart a fit temple for Himself, by his Holy Spirit, 
to dwell in. He will not dwell in a defiled heart, though He 
causes his light to shine there at times, to show man his lost con- 
dition ; but this is not by way of union with him or taking up 
his habitation there; that is experienced only as man is changed, 
and becomes a partaker of the Divine nature. The doctrine of 
christian perfection, or freedom from sin, was also held forth. 
It was a good meeting, and I hope tended to the strength of the 
right-minded, and to the awakening of some. 

Sixth month 4th. Feeling my mind very unexpectedly turn- 
ed to the North Meeting, I went there this morning. The com- 
pany was large, especially on the women's side. I was favored 
to keep inward in a waiting state, when the very important 
testimony to spiritual worship was brought before me ; also the 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EV A.NS. 603 

great loss which is sustained by living to the world. None can 
grow in the Truth, without experiencing the worship of God, 
which is in spirit and in truth. It is the christian's life, wherein 
he keeps the watch, maintains the warfare, and receives ability 
to pray for daily food, and for preservation, and to return thanks 
and adoration before the Father of mercies for all his numerous 
benefits. The indispensable necessity of experiencing it, and of 
attending our religious meetings, when health permits, was im- 
pressed, and the young men were invited to faithfulness in this 
respect. 

27th. Having for some time felt a draft of affection towards 
the little company composing Galloway Meeting, at Leeds' 
Point, in New Jersey, my wife and myself met our friends S. 
and B. N., at Haddonfield, on seventh-day morning, the 24th, 
and proceeded in the cars about half the distance, when we 
took a stage, and reached J. L.'s before dusk. He and his 
kind wife gave us a pleasant reception. On first-day morning 
the weather was fine, which made walking to the meeting-house 
easy. We understood the company was larger than usual, and 
appeared to be a sober people ; many were watermen, who trade 
from that neighborhood. They maintained stillness during the 
silence of the meeting. We were both engaged in the ministry, 
setting forth the work of sanctification in the heart, and encour- 
aging the sincere christian, to hold on his way, in following his 
Lord and Master. My wife closed with solemn supplication for 
those who had wandered from the flock, into the wilderness, 
and for the afflicted and depressed travellers, who are longing 
for their own, and the salvation of others. 

Next morning, we rode to Absecom, about six miles, to take 
the cars, and reached our own homes before nine o'clock. 

Many calculations of profit are made by the projectors of this 
railroad, running across New Jersey. The enterprise of men fur- 
nishes many accommodations and facilities, to promote the pur- 
poses of all classes ; which are highly useful to the great human 
family. But it is to be lamented that, in the midst of much use- 
fulness to others, in a temporal point of view, so many appear 
to neglect the "one thing needful," a daily preparation of the 
soul for a blissful eternity, through waiting upon and serving 
God according to his blessed and holy will, revealed in the 
heart. This dedication to Him, would not interfere with right 
things, in the way of our lawful vocations, but it would enable 



604 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

men, under the power of the Holy Spirit, to keep the world 
under foot ; holding everything pertaining to it, in a secondary 
place ; and above all, laboring to exalt the name of our God, 
and the kingdom of his dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In 
this state, there would be a harmonious walking with Him, 
and the true welfare of each other would be sought and pro- 
moted. 



CHAPTER XXX. 
1854—1855. 



Religious Visit to the Yearly Meeting of Ohio, and some Meetings belonging 
to it — Resumption of Labors at Home. 

1854, Seventh month 26th. Having had a prospect of visit- 
ing some meetings in Ohio, and attending the Yearly Meeting, 
if the way should open for it, I mentioned -the concern to the 
Monthly Meeting, which made a minute of its unity, setting 
me at liberty to attend to the prospect, as Truth should direct. 

Eighth month 6th. First-day morning. I was strengthened 
to lay before the young people the blessedness of an early sur- 
render to the visitations of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. 
He has gracious designs concerning all of us, and if submitted 
to, will prepare for a place in his church. Samuel was called 
in childhood, and shown the degeneracy of the house of Eli, and 
was finally made a prophet, and he judged Israel many years. 
Christ compared the kingdom of heaven to an householder, who 
went out early in the morning to hire laborers to work in his 
vineyard. Young people who are devoted to the Truth, have 
their trials, but He who began the work of their regeneration, 
will carry it on, sustain and defend them, and when He sees 
proper, cheer them with .glimpses of the beauty of the bride, 
the Lamb's wife, the redeemed and sanctified church, and raise 
fervent desires to be purified, and made members of it. 

7th. My beloved brother Charles came down this morning, 



1854.] JOURNAL OP WIIiLIAM EVANS. 605 

and offered to accompany me through the visit to Ohio, which 
was truly acceptable and encouraging. 

12th. This morning, on going to my store, I found a letter 
from my beloved and honorable friend Hannah Gibbons. I 
thought it remarkable that she should feel so much for me, 
without knowing the exercise I was passing through. It was 
reviving and tendering to my spirit, and I still hoped the Lord 
would cast up a safe path for me to walk in. It is as follows : 

West Chester, Eighth month 11th, 1854. 
My Dear Friend and Brother in the Truth, William 
Evans : — My mind has been so much in sympathy with thee, 
since hearing of thy present prospect of religious service, that, 
though feeble in body, I do not feel quite satisfied without tell- 
ing thee of it ; with desires for thy encouragement in the line 
of religious duty ; well knowing that it is not the path we would 
choose for ourselves, but that which leads to peace, far surpass- 
ing all mundane enjoyments. There is an oppressed seed with- 
in the compass of Ohio Yearly Meeting ; who, I have no doubt, 
often go mourning on their way, when the secret language of 
their hearts may be, " Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not 
thine heritage to reproach." These, I believe, will be glad of 
thy company, the aid of thy spirit, and, I trust, gospel labors. 
The silent query has more than once arisen in my mind, of lat- 
ter time, Will not William Evans feel drawn to attend the ap- 
proaching Yearly Meeting of Ohio ? And when I heard thou 
felt an engagement that way, I may say a feeble tribute of 
thanksgiving arose, in believing that the Lord of the harvest is 
still mindful of his children; those who are desirous of serving; 
Him in sincerity and faith ; and is furnishing fellow-helpers, in 
the arduous field of labor. Truly there is strength in unity ; 
and where there is a want of it, how does weakness prevail ! 
Yet I do believe the great I Am will be with those whom He 
hath anointed and sent forth, strengthening them for his work, 
and feeding them with food convenient for them. And though 
thou may meet with opposing spirits, dear friend, yet as the 
clothing of thy mind continues to be that of humility, I trust 
thou wilt be enabled, from time to time, to put the armies of the 
aliens to flight; and the language of thy heart, at seasons, will 
be, "Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, through our 
Lord Jesus Ch v ist." The encouraging language, recorded in 



606 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

Holy Writ, now arises, "Fear not, for I am with thee; be not 
dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I 
will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of 
my righteousness." 
* * * * # * 

My dear friend, thy precious wife has a full share of my sym- 
pathy; not doubting that she will be supported during thy ab- 
sence, by Him whom she desires above every other desire to 
serve; and I believe has cause to say, "Hitherto the Lord hath 
helped me." The foregoing may serve to let you know that you 
have the sympathy and unity of a feeble, almost worn-out sis- 
ter ; and in feelings of tenderness and affection, 
I remain your friend, 

Hannah Gibbons. 

21st. Second-day morning. My brother Charles, who had 
kindly offered to be my companion through Ohio, met me at the 
depot, and we left for Pittsburg. The road through Pennsyl- 
vania, along the Susquehanna and Juniata Eivers, is exceedingly 
picturesque and interesting; running through a mountainous 
country, and many towns and villages, some of them nourishing 
and fast increasing. Passing up the railroad, over the Allegha- 
nies, by steam-power, is a new feature in travelling; and when 
near the edge of vast precipices, the idea of the connecting links 
of the cars breaking, or other causes, overturning us into the 
deep ravines, creates a sensation of fear and shrinking from the 
terrible consequences that would follow ; but this is an interest- 
ing and expeditious mode of travelling, as well as comfortable, 
when preserved to get safely to the end of the journey. We 
reached Pittsburg, between twelve and one o'clock, p. m. After 
breakfast, the next morning, we went over to Alleghany City, 
and took the Cleveland cars for Salem. We reached the station- 
house there, about eleven o'clock ; where we found our kind 
friend Jehu Fawcett, waiting to accompany us to his house. 
The hearty manner in which he met us, was cheering. Sitting 
in his house, I felt peaceful. 

23d. Salem Monthly Meeting was held here, which we at- 
tended ; the company was quite large. After some time of en- 
during poverty and emptiness, I was led to hold up the import- 
ance of keeping with the seed under suffering, that we may fill up 
our measure of it; and in the humbling, stripping dispensations 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS, 607 

we have to pass through, we may experience a growth in the 
blessed Truth. After relieving my mind of the subjects that 
were brought before me, I felt the spirit of supplication, on be- 
half of those who were bearing heavy burdens, and was con- 
strained to bow the knee, and implore the merciful and tender 
regard of the Lord, our Holy Helper, on their behalf. 

We went out about a mile to our beloved friend David Faw- 
cett's; dined with him and his children, and had a little oppor- 
tunity with them ; in which the tendering power of the Holy 
Spirit was felt. 

24th. Fifth-day. Our friend David Fawcett, inclining to 
accompany us to the remaining meetings in this neighborhood, 
called upon us this morning, and took us over to New Garden. 
It was a pretty large collection ; among whom I had some ser- 
vice ; and after the Monthly Meeting, we went to a Friend's and 
dined. A number of Friends came in, to whom I felt drawn to 
speak on the importance of bringing up children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord; restraining them from evil com- 
pany and practices. Were they rightly concerned to fulfil their 
duties to their beloved offspring, they and the dear children 
would reap the benefit of it. As they come under the yoke of 
Christ, they would be united together in the fellowship of the 
gospel, and be as marrow to the bones of their religiously exer- 
cised parents. Took an affectionate leave of these dear Friends, 
and rode about seven miles to E. M.'s, near Hanoverton. 

25th. Attended Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting ; in which 
the work among them was laborious, but I endeavored to do 
what the Master required. 

26th. We went to Springfield Monthly Meeting, at Damas- 
coville. Here I was opened on the declaration of our Saviour, 
" By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love 
one another," and on the importance of knowing the love of 
God shed abroad in our hearts. The nearer we approach a bet- 
ter world, the more earnest we ought to feel, to be imbued 
therewith ; that we may be prepared for the society of saints 
and angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. In this 
world, this Divine clothing would put an end to all animosities, 
wars and fightings, and whether present or absent, we should 
be as epistles written in one another's hearts ; not with ink and 
pen, but by the Spirit of the living God. It would draw the 
children to the parents, and the parents to the children, and 



608 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. ["1854. 

they would unite in going up to the mountain of the Lord, the 
house of the God of Jacob, who would teach them his ways, and 
strengthen them to walk in his paths. 

27th. First-day morning. Our kind friend Jehu Fawcett, 
took us to Middletown, about twelve miles ; where we attended 
the meeting, and had to feel with some who seemed to have 
greatly let fall the daily religious exercise, which every living 
member ought to experience, Some things were set closely 
home, in that love and concern which seeks the everlasting 
welfare of every class ; which I believe had something of an 
arousing effect. We believed there were honest-hearted ones 
preserved amongst them, who are sincerely concerned for the 
right support of the cause and testimonies of Christ, and feel 
for the low estate of others, and on account of their unfaithful- 
ness. I had some service there to my own satisfaction and 
peace. We dined with our ancient friend William Heald, and 
the widow of his son Abner Heald, who was a minister. The 
old Friend, between eighty and ninety, has the use of his facul- 
ties, and appears to be desirous of the welfare of the Society, 
and the maintenance of its doctrines and testimonies. 

28th. Jehu Fawcett having made provision for taking my 
brother and myself with him and his wife, to Mount Pleasant, 
in the afternoon, we left his agreeable residence, and rode to our 
friend E. M.'s, near Hanoverton, about twelve miles from 
Salem. 

29th. We took an early start, having a long day's drive be- 
fore us ; over a hilly country, the weather warm and very dry, 
and the roads dusty. At the tavern where we dined, water was 
scarce. Towards evening, we got to a Friend's house, not far 
from Smithfield, and were kindly received. Here the drought 
was so great, that there was nothing left in the fields that the 
cattle could subsist on ; and they told us they had been obliged 
to give them hay, &c, for about three weeks. Water was also 
so scarce, that they had to drive their herds and flocks some 
miles to get sufficient for them. The appearance of the country 
was desolate and mournful ; and I thought should induce a hum- 
ble consideration of our dependence on Divine Providence for 
the means to sustain life; and also self-examination of our ac- 
tions, in the light of the Lord, that we may profit by the dis- 
pensations of his chastising hand ; and experience greater 
redemption from the love of the world, and devote our time and 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 609 

our talents more constantly to the work which He would ap- 
point for us to do. 

30th. We attended Smithfield Meeting, which was larger 
than usual, a marriage being accomplished, which drew some 
to it. Feeling a concern gathering over my mind, for some who 
had known better days, and on account of the great change that 
had taken place in the members, in part produced by the death 
of some substantial ministers, I was led to advert to it, and men- 
tioned the language of Scripture, " Your fathers, where are they; 
and the prophets, do they live forever ?" Those were removed 
to their everlasting reward ; and there was but one way by 
which any could be pre£>ared to succeed them, in these stations 
in the church, and that was by submitting to the humbling, re- 
generating power of the grace of G-od. Some were called upon 
to recur to the kindness of their youth, the love of their espous- 
als, how they followed the Lord in his leadings into the wilder- 
ness ; and to examine whether the same love and devotedness 
to Him was now felt, which they then experienced. If not, 
there was nothing in the world that could make up for their 
loss ; and if in his continued mercy, they were favored with 
renewed visitations of his love, and the calls of his Holy Spirit, 
it would be their highest interest to yield to them, that they 
might be favored with the enjoyment of the true peace and 
heavenly love they had once known. 

31st. Attended the meeting at Harrisville, and returned to 
N. H.'s, where we staid that night ; and next morning were 
taken by him to Flushing, where we had an appointed meeting, 
which was a favored time in testimony and supplication. 

]N"inth month 2d. Seventh-day. Eode to Mount Pleasant, 
and put up at the school-house, and I attended the Yearly Meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders. 

First-day. Two large meetings for worship were held. 

9th. The Yearly Meeting was held this week ; but little 
business being transacted on second and third-days. Forty- 
two representatives met ; and twelve of them, contrary to the 
expressed opinions of the others, determined to take forward 
the names of two men, for clerk and assistant, which the others 
protested against ; and twenty-eight desired a Friend to report 
that the representatives were not able to agree ; which was 
done. The existing clerk informed the meeting, that according 
to the practice of that Yearly Meeting, he should make a min- 



610 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

ute continuing and appointing the present clerks, B. Hoyle and 
William S. Bates, as clerk and assistant; with which many 
Friends expressed their unity. The two members, nominated 
by the twelve representatives, being urged by their party, to 
take their seats at the table, went up and sat alongside of B. H. ; 
when he informed them that their attempt was an act of sepa- 
ration. Their proceeding was spoken against; but being re- 
peatedly called upon to make a minute, one of them made an 
entry of their being reported by a part of the representatives 
for clerks, and that they were appointed ; Friends, in the mean- 
time, objecting to it. After sitting between three and four 
hours, the meeting adjourned, B. Hoyle making the minute. 
Previously two women Friends inquired the hour to which men 
Friends would adjourn, but the meeting not having decided, 
they were requested to adjourn to the same hour at which 
the men's meeting should decide to convene. When Friends left 
the house, the separatists kept their seats, and adjourned to 
eight o'clock; two hours earlier than Friends had agreed to 
meet. The separatists met accordingly, and broke up their 
meeting, just as we were collecting, which was considerate on 
their part. 

My feelings were mournful at witnessing another separation 
in that house, after a lapse of twenty-six years ; yet I could 
not see that Friends could have acted in any other way, con- 
sistently with order, and the practice of their own Yearly 
Meeting. The meeting read the epistles addressed to it ; read 
the Queries and Answers thereto ; decided to establish a new 
Quarterly Meeting, to be composed of that part of Stillwater 
Quarterly Meeting, which lies on the west side of the Muskin- 
gum Eiver; appointed a committee to visit and aid the subordi- 
nate meetings, in this season of severe trial; with divers other 
subjects, including epistles to the other Yearly Meetings, and 
concluded under a solemn quiet. 

Our friend H. L., residing near Mount Pleasant, having offer- 
ed to take us in his carriage to the meetings in Stillwater Quar- 
terly Meeting, we rode out in the afternoon to a Friend's, at 
Plainfield. The next morning, before leaving this family, I had 
an opportunity with them, encouraging the young Friends to 
greater dedication, and a deeper indwelling with the Spirit of 
Christ, that they may be prepared thereby, to discharge their 
duties in the church, and to their children. 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 611 

10th. "We reached B. H.'s about ten o'clock, and went to 
their meeting at Stillwater; which was a pretty large company. 
It was a laborious time to me, yet attended, I hope, with en- 
couragement to the burden-bearers, and the sincere-hearted 
among them. In the afternoon, we visited Wm. Green, and his 
wife and family, who are rightly concerned and interesting 
Friends; the visit was to my satisfaction, a number of young 
persons coming in. 

11th. We set out pretty early this morning, for the Muskin- 
gum settlements, having the company of several Friends return- 
ing to their homes beyond that river, and rode about forty miles, 
dining at a tavern, and lodged at a house of private entertain- 
ment. The landlord was a Methodist, and an intelligent man ; 
with whom I had some conversation on the doctrine of christian 
perfection, and being made free from sin in this life. He thought 
there was danger of a man thinking himself free from sin, and 
trusting to -his own righteousness. I told him the more we 
were brought to experience the sanctifying power of Divine 
Grace, the more humble would be our opinion of ourselves ; and 
the more we should depend upon the Lord Jesus to make, and 
to keep us so. Christ said to the people, " Be ye perfect, even 
as your Father, which is in heaven, is perfect." He loved the 
church and gave Himself for it, that He might present it to 
Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any 
such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. Also, 
that He might purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous 
of good works. He did not deny this, yet did not seem quite 
ready to receive the doctrine. Next morning w r e had further 
conversation on another point, in which he was at difficulty, 
and said he thought the passage I quoted, respecting being per- 
fect, was designed for the apostles. I reminded him that it was 
contained in the Sermon on the Mount, which was addressed to 
all his disciples, and was applicable to the multitude, as well 
as to us, also, in this day. We heard afterwards that he ex- 
pressed much satisfaction with our visit, to some Friends who 
called and took breakfast with them after we had gone. It is 
always cheering to meet with sincere, religious people, let their 
christian profession be as it may, and to find they have some 
experience of the work in themselves. 

12th. We rode to McConnellsvillc, crossed the Muskingum, 



612 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1854. 



and put up at our friend John Patton's, who belongs to Hope- 
well Meeting. 

13th. Had an appointed meeting here, in which I felt de- 
pressed, also not well in health. But I was raised up to declare 
the way of salvation, to the disobedient, and the awful conse- 
quences of out-sinning the day of their visitation. The honest- 
hearted, and the poor of the flock, were exhorted to hold fast 
the grain of true faith, in their lowest seasons; and the Lord 
would assuredly come again to them ; the meal in the barrel should 
not waste, nor the cruse of oil fail, until He sent forth fresh 
supplies of temporal and spiritual food. Some saluted us with 
much affection, and their countenances showed they had felt the 
tendering power of Truth, to contrite their spirits. J. P. and 
his wife, met us here, and took us to their house at Pennsville, 
where we were kindly and agreeably entertained. 

14th. Attended Pennsville Monthly Meeting. In the first 
meeting, I could come at nothing like authority for the work 
of the ministry, and at a suitable time, Friends proceeded 
in transacting the business. Near the close, I was impressed 
with a concern to call Friends to a closer attention to their re- 
ligious duties ; that they might show forth the excellent fruits 
of the Spirit, by setting the candle on the candlestick, that all 
might see the light; not putting it under a bed of ease, or under 
a bushel, in the multitude of worldly pursuits. Christ told his 
disciples, they were the light of the world, and that they were 
to let their light shine, that others, seeing their good works, may 
glorify our Father, which is in heaven. I was also concerned 
to remind parents of the responsibility of their station, as shep- 
herds and shepherdesses over the lambs committed to their 
trust ; of the necessity of setting them a proper example, of 
restraining them from evil, and to bring them up in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord. 

16th. We attended Chesterfield Monthly Meeting; in the 
first sitting, I was renewedly helped to preach the gospel of life 
and salvation, to comfort the mourners in Zion, and to stir up 
the young and the middle-aged to greater faithfulness. If any 
good is done, it is from the Lord. We are unprofitable ser- 
vants ; He can work with or without us. In the afternoon, T. 
P. went with us to Plymouth. 

17th. .Rode down to a meeting called Southland, being first- 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 613 

day. This was a laborious time to nie ; it seemed hard to find 
the stepping stones. 

18th. Attended Plymouth Monthly Meeting which was quite 
large, many goodly looking young men belonging to it. I had 
service among them relating to the occupancy of gifts in the 
church, bestowed by our adorable Head, and Minister of the 
sanctuary, upon those whom He has prepared, by the washing 
of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, to receive 
them. I believe there were those in that meeting whom, if 
they continue faithful, He would make judges and counsellors, 
as they steadfastly followed his Divine leadings. The business 
was transacted with religious weight, and sweetness of spirit 
and manner towards one another. Several Friends from other 
meetings were there. The Friends with whom we took dinner, 
were truly kind, in accommodating us with an early start after 
the meeting, to enable us to get on that afternoon, so as to reach 
Somerset by the next evening. 

We got a list of the towns to enquire for on our way, and by 
industrious travelling, reached a house of private entertainment, 
about dusk, having crossed the Muskingum, and ridden about 
seventeen or eighteen miles. 

19th. Eose early, but the tediousness of those who prepared 
breakfast, detained us unnecessarily. We rode about twenty-five 
miles before we could obtain food for ourselves and horses, with- 
out stopping too early in the day. The road over which we 
travelled, was in bad condition, in some places, and very hilly ; 
there being no place in this half-day's drive, in which there was 
half a mile of level, plain road continuous. We set out again, 
and when we drew near to Somerset, the road improved, though 
still crossing a continuation of high hills. It became so dark 
that my brother was obliged, in the last three-quarters of a mile, 
to walk in the middle of the road, before the horses, to enable 
the Friend to decide where to drive ; but we got to T. P.'s safely, 
and felt grateful at again reaching the pleasant habitation of our 
friends, where we were kindly received and comfortably accom- 
modated. 

20th. We had five miles to ride to the place where their 
Preparative Meeting was held to-day. The company was small, 
and according to my feelings, the stream of Divine life was low. 
1 was reminded of the low state of the springs and streams 
through the country where we had travelled,, and referred some 
40 



614 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

of them, to the consideration, whether their condition, in a 
spiritual sense, might not bear some resemblance to it. I hope 
some were aroused to look more seriously into their own condi- 
tion, and seek more ardently for the streams of that river which 
maketh glad the city of God ; like David, who said ; " As the hart 
panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 
O God; my soul thirsteth for the living God." 

We dined in company with a number of Friends, at the house 
of a widow woman, and I had conversation with them on the 
importance of Friends endeavoring to keep together in near 
unity with one another. I advised them, in performing their 
duties when visiting their divided meetings, in order to keep 
Friends from being scattered, to be swift to hear, and slow to 
speak ; for solidity and inwardness of spirit, would have more 
effect to convince gainsayers, than many words. 

21st. Went to the Eidge Meeting ; and was there introduced 
into much sympathy with the burden-bearers ; to whom the lan- 
guage of encouragement flowed freely, under the humbling 
power of Divine love, and in the fellowship of suffering ; I hope 
to the refreshment and strengthening of some, though I was left 
under feelings of weakness and poverty. 

Towards evening, we took leave of these Friends, rode to 
B. II. 's, at Stillwater, and were cheered in getting under his 
roof. Our friend A. G., having agreed to take us, in his car- 
riage, to Brownsville, had returned home to prepare, and be- 
fore bed-time met us here ; a further proof of the disinterested 
kindness of Friends towards dependent travellers, in carrying 
us from place to place; our friend H. L., being obliged, after 
leaving us at St. Clairsville, to return to his home. We rose 
pretty early next morning, and proceeded to that place, where 
having dined and fed our horses, we parted with our much 
esteemed friend H. L., of whose kind attentions and assist- 
ance, we had so freely partaken, and for which we expressed 
our grateful acknowledgments. We had a pleasant ride of about 
twenty-six miles, to a little village called Alexandria, and put 
up at an inn of tolerable comfort. 

23d. Got away from this place early after breakfast, passed 
through a town called Washington, and about four miles be- 
yond, got a humble dinner at an old worn out inn, and then 
wended our way over hill and dale, to the Monongahela Eiver, 
nnd crossing it on a fine bridge ; opposite to Brownsville, we 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 615 

reached the residence of our friends W. D. and wife, who re- 
ceived us with much cordiality. I had never before been at 
their house, but found it a pleasant home for christian travellers 
on religious errands. W. agreed to release A. GL, and take us 
in his carriage to the two meetings we proposed being at before 
the finishing of this journey. 

24th. Before leaving, on the following morning, we went 
into the residence of Wm.'s aged father; where I was led to 
hold up the importance of waiting upon the Lord, that the 
work of preparation for a better world, may be perfected, and 
Divine refreshment partaken of daily from his hand. On our 
return, we dropped into silence, and a word of counsel and 
encouragement arose in my heart for those dear Friends, under 
their tried situation ; brought about by the late separation ; 
there being but themselves and one other family, likely to remain 
with Friends belonging to Ohio Yearly Meeting, in this particu- 
lar meeting ; as we were informed. 

The road to Providence meeting-house is very hilly, and the 
distance seven or eight miles, so that we did not get there until 
the Friends were nearly all convened. On sitting with them, I 
felt for the little remnant who love the Truth and seek its pros- 
perity, and now have new difficulties to encounter, in the pros- 
pect of another division of their reduced Quarterly Meeting. I 
was led to encourage this class, to labor to draw near to their 
Lord and Master ; looking to Him for guidance in their religious 
duties, and for the renewal of their faith and strength to do his 
will. He joined Himself to the two disciples, as they walked 
from Jerusalem to Emmaus and were sad, under the loss of their 
Master, as they supposed ; and He opened to them the Scrip- 
tures, in the prophets and the Psalms, concerning Himself; so 
that when He disappeared, after blessing and breaking the 
bread at the table, they knew it was He, and said, " Did not 
our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, 
and while He opened to us the Scriptures ?" He is as near to 
his children, watching over them, at this day as ever ; and He 
will keep and console them, as they hold fast their love and al- 
legiance to Him. Some states of a different character were 
also spoken to. 

We had rather a tedious ride to Sewickly ; the hills rising 
from the different streams being long and high ; yet with dili- 
gence we arrived at G. G-.'s, about dusk; and were glad to find 



616 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1854. 

ourselves at the door of kind and hospitable Friends, willing to 
take us in, and make us comfortable and welcome. Enquiry- 
was made if we could get a meeting there next day, at the usual 
hour, and being assented to, they sent out word that evening, 
to spread notice of it early next morning. 

25th. We went to the meeting-house, and found a pretty 
large company for that place ; with whom we sat in silence for 
a considerable time, in a low place ; the quickening power of 
Christ seeming to be much out of sight and feeling. At length 
1 was enabled to labor among them, to show the spirit and ele- 
ment in which a true christian lives ; wherein he is enabled to 
worship God in spirit and in truth, out of meeting as well as in 
meeting, to the refreshment and strength of his own soul, and 
also for the help of others. A warning was also held up against 
the inordinate pursuit and love of lawful things ; by which, even 
those who have known and loved the Truth, may lose ground, 
and become captivated with worldly pursuits. I felt drawn, 
though in weakness, to bend the knee, and to pray for those on 
whom the support of the ark of the testimonies chiefly rested, 
in that place ; that their faith and devotion to the cause of 
Christ might be increased; and for those who are afar off, wast- 
ing their substance; that they might arise and come to the 
Father, and acknowledge they were unworthy to be called his 
sons, and ask that He would make them his hired servants; 
also for all now before the Lord ; that He would keep us through 
the remaining tribulations of this life, and prepare us to mingle 
with the just of all generations, in praising and glorifying his 
great Name, with the Lamb, world without end; Amen. I 
came away peaceful, though poor and empty ; which is a safe 
state, and I believe is often dispensed by Him who knows what 
is in man, and what is best for our humiliation before Him; 
that self may be kept in abasement ; and we be sensible that we 
are unprofitable servants, that all good comes from Him, and 
all praise and glory is due to Him alone. 

We dined with B. G-. and family, where several Friends came. 
Just as we were about to come away, I felt constrained to 
address the parents and children ; to encourage the former to 
watch over and restrain the latter from wrong things, and to 
live under a proper concern to draw them to Christ, that He 
might lay his Divine hand upon them, and bless them. It had 
a tendering effect upon the mother and some of the daughters, 



1854.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 617 

for which I was glad, and confirmed that I was in my right 
place. 

26th. A station on the Pennsylvania Eailroad, being about 
seven miles distant from G-. G-.'s, some of the family rose early, 
to give us breakfast ; and our kind friend took us there in his 
carriage, in time to meet the train for Philadelphia. After 
taking leave, we started a little after eight o'clock, and got 
to our beloved homes, between one and two o'clock, next morn- 
ing. I found my dear wife and children in usual good health, 
and felt thankful in being restored to them in safety, and in 
the peacefulness and true comfort, which the Lord bestows for 
the performance of his requirings. 

Eleventh month 6th. The Quarterly Meeting was held this 
morning. There was not much business to occupy the last 
sitting ; and after it was gone through, I returned the minute 
furnished me to make the visit in Ohio ; informing that it had 
been accomplished to my own peace and satisfaction. 

14th. IMy wife and myself went to Salem, to visit our belov- 
ed friend Martha Wistar, and also some of our friends and con- 
nections at Greenwich. In seasons of great discouragement, it 
is strengthening to them that fear the Lord, and think upon his 
name, to speak to one another of those things that lie nearest 
to their hearts; not only because it is declared that a book of 
remembrance is written before Him, who hearkens and hears; 
but also because in their different conditions they minister sup- 
port to the oppressed spirits, and cheer them at times on their 
way. 

15th. We attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders, at Salem, in which we were silent. 

16th. Was held the Quarterly Meeting for discipline. In the 
first meeting, I was engaged to revive the exhortation of the 
apostle, " If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit ;" 
and to enforce the importance of showing by our conduct and 
conversation, and the weightiness of our spirits, that we have 
been with the Lord, and that He is with us. It is the want of 
bringing forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit, that keeps the 
Society in weakness, and impairs its usefulness in the world, 
and greatly disables the members from aiding each other to- 
wards a growth in the Truth. 

At the house of our cousin George Bacon, at Greenwich, the 
old-fashioned, sincere hospitality u found ; ho and his wife be- 



618 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1854. 



ing honestly concerned, and cordial in receiving their friends, 
We attended their meeting on first-day ; in which we had some 
service ; the company assembled being larger than usual. I 
was led to advert to the negligence of many in making a 
proper use of the outward means dispensed by the Head of 
the church for our benefit, especially the frequent reading of the 
Holy Scriptures ; the fear attending me, that very many seldom 
look into their bibles; although the Holy Scriptures were given 
by Divine inspiration, and are profitable for doctrine, for re- 
proof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that 
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every 
good work. 

Twelfth month 10th. At our first-day meeting, this morn- 
ing, after long waiting, in which many things passed before me, 
and the feeling of a disposition to put by the opening, I was 
constrained to rise with the expressions used by one of our an- 
cient Friends, " There is a faith that overcomes the world, and 
there is a faith that is overcome by the world." It is a great 
favor to be possessed of the knowledge of the doctrines of the 
everlasting gospel, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures, and for 
which we are bound to be thankful; but the faith which gives 
us the victory over the world, the flesh and the devil, is produ- 
ced by the operation of the Spirit of Christ in the heart. This 
Spirit reveals those things which it requires us to forsake, and 
gives us, at the same time, if we receive it, faith to believe that 
what is required is the Divine will ; and as we are obedient, 
brings us out of our fallen condition, and gradually opens to 
us the Scriptures according to the Lord's will, and enables us 
availingly to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the autho- 
rity of the Holy Scriptures, and to profit by them. By the 
obedience of faith, we experience a growth in grace, and are 
made victorious over Satan and all his temptations ; and parti- 
cipate in the promise of the Son of God, " To him that over- 
cometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also 
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." 
The divinity, atonement, intercession and advocacy of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who was crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, 
a propitiatory offering for the sin of the world, and is now glori- 
fied at the right hand of the Father, was also plainly testified to 
and held forth according to the Scriptures. These things were 
delivered in humility, as they were brought before me, I trust, 



1855.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 619 

by the good Remembrancer, and reached the hearts of some 
present, to their comfort and satisfaction. It is good to be faith- 
ful to the pointings of the Divine finger, in childlike simplicity, 
not knowing what is the Lord's design, and the consequences 
that may grow out of it. 

21st. We have had some very cold weather, and so many 
people being out of employment, there is reason to apprehend 
there will be great suffering ; but I hope those who have the 
means to spare, will be alive to their wants, and strive to pro- 
vide for them. Owing in part to the wars in Europe, the price 
of provisions is much above the usual standard ; which in- 
creases the difficulties of the poor, and the laboring man, and 
lessens the ability of others to aid them. But if there is a heart 
to give, in those of moderate means, they will economize, and 
find portions to bestow on the poor. 

This day, I attended the Arch Street Meeting, in much desti- 
tution, and was furnished, I thought, with strength and autho- 
rity to encourage others to endure temptation, and to strive to 
keep the faith. The dear children were also invited to yield to 
their Saviour's requirings, that they may be prepared, in his 
time, to be made instrumental in turning many to righteousness. 
They who do so, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, 
and as the stars for ever and ever. 

31st. The last day of the year, and the weather now remark- 
ably fine. Our meeting this morning, at Orange Street, was 
pretty large for us ; and a time of favor and gracious conde- 
scension to our low estate, it proved to be. The breathing of 
my spirit was, that the Lord would visit our Society, and pour 
out afresh of his Spirit upon sons and daughters, and prepare 
many to sound his praise, and to tell to others his wondrous 
works in their souls. 

1855, Second month 8th. The weather has been extremely 
cold for several days, the mercury in some parts of the city, 
being below zero ; and notwithstanding the severe cold, snow 
and hail have fallen. The sufferings of the poor are great, and 
much money has been raised and applied for their relief. I 
have not heard of any being frozen to death ; but some are re- 
ported to have suffered starvation, being unwilling to let their 
condition be known. 

Went to Abington Quarterly Meeting. I was enabled to open 
the great importance of partaking of the Divine life, which 



620 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1855. 

Christ declared He came that his sheep might have, and more 
abundantly than under the preceding dispensation. Those who 
are united to Him as members of his body, are kept alive unto 
God by the life of Christ, that flows from Him into them ; and 
as they submit to his humbling dispensations and baptisms, they 
are prepared to hear his voice, and to distinguish it from all 
other voices. 

In the second meeting, the beauty and excellency of our dis- 
cipline and order, were upheld ; conforming as they do, to the 
doctrines of Christ and his apostles; and which all among us, 
who are alive in the Truth, will feel bound to support, as a trust 
and duty given to us, which is sacred. 

26th. Eode out to Springfield, and attended their Monthly 
Meeting. I was drawn forth in sympathy with those who love 
the Lord Jesus Christ, but are in danger of turning aside, from 
the discouragements of the day ; as though their forefathers had 
not drunk as bitter cups, and it was easier then than now to do 
the Divine will. But I was led to declare, that He who called 
to any duty, was as compassionate and tender to his children 
as ever; and would always make way for them, and give 
strength to perform it, as a single eye was kept directed unto 
Him. 

Third month 12th. This day being Haddonfield Monthly 
Meeting, I rose early, crossed the Delaware, and by the cars, 
reached the village about eight o'clock. We had a good meet- 
ing; in which the call to greater dedication was extended, and 
prayer offered for the young people, and the discouraged bur- 
den-bearers, whose hands were ready to hang down. 

20th. Went to the Northern District Meeting; where the 
necessity of the inward work of religion was opened ; in which 
the axe is laid to the root of the trees, and every tree that 
bringeth not forth good fruit is to be hewn down and cast into 
the fire. Sound doctrine, held in the head, and on the tongue, 
will avail but little. We must submit to Him who baptizes with 
the Holy G-host and fire ; who gathers the wheat into the gar- 
ner and burns up the chaff with unquenchable fire. In this way 
only, shall we know the possibility of being made free from sin 
in this life, and true witnesses of the Lord's saving power, and 
of the truth of the doctrines of the everlasting gospel. I ex- 
pressed the belief, that our religious Society would not be per- 
mitted to be laid waste ; but from among the pots, and as from 



1855.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 621 

the stones of the streets, the Lord would continue to raise up 
those whom He would make living ministers, and discerning 
elders in the church. 

Fifth month 12th. "Went out to Springfield, and spent a short 
time very cheeringly with our beloved brother and sister, Jo- 
seph and Grace Evans. We find a little intercourse between 
town and country relations, revives and animates each other to 
hold on in the good pathway, and imparts comfort and strength, 
in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

14th. Went with them to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers 
and Elders, at Concord. We sat a long time in silence ; and 
after the Queries were rCad and answered, and the business got 
through, I ventured to speak on the responsibility of the sta- 
tions of ministers and elders. If I know anything of the nature 
of gospel ministry, it is that only which is opened in the 
soul by the great Minister of the sanctuary, and which He au- 
thorizes to be given to the people, as it is given to us ; and the 
design of it is to gather souls to Christ. Elders are to receive 
the gift of spiritual discernment, and to aid and counsel minis- 
ters, under the Lord's direction. 

15th. Was held the meeting for business ; in which I was 
engaged to address the younger members. I felt remarkably 
peaceful, in having labored for the encouragement of the young 
people who love their Lord, and to awaken the rebellious to 
their true conditions. 

Seventh month 4th. This afternoon, I went to attend, from 
his late dwelling, at Westfield, the burial of our friend Samuel 
Leeds, a minister; who was taken sick before our Yearly Meet- 
ing. He is reported to have said little throughout his sickness, 
appearing to be abstracted from worldly things, and very much 
kept in a quiet frame of mind. 

The removal of the servants of Christ from among us, one 
after another, was very affecting to me, as I stood by the grave, 
and saw his remains lowered into the earth. The spirit that 
often had been baptized for the dead, and for the living, tribu- 
lated seed, was now gathered unto God, and to his Christ, among 
the blessed of all generations. Will not the Lord have compassion 
upon his church and people, and give evidence that He has not 
forgotten their desolate condition, by pouring out of his Spirit 
on sons and daughters, and giving gifts for the work of the min- 



622 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. I 1855. 

istry, and the edification of the body of Christ. Even so, O 
Lord! Amen. 

20th. For many days, little pleasant bread has been parta- 
ken of. Our religious meetings, now much reduced by many 
members having removed into the country, or travelling for 
pleasure and health, have often to me felt destitute of the sensi- 
ble evidence of the Divine presence ; so that fears have prevail- 
ed, of being deserted by the everlasting Shepherd. Then again, 
I have been afraid to abandon the watch and the struggle, lest 
indifference and the total loss of spiritual life may ensue. Of 
late, in the midst of many fears, I have thought the Lord's 
mercy and watchful care were not withdrawn, by feeling a lit- 
tle ability to look to Him, and to put up secret prayer, accom- 
panied with contrition of spirit, that He would continue to re- 
gard an unworthy creature, and defend and keep from falling, 
one whom Satan seems constantly striving to cast down and 
destroy. 

The trials of this day are hard to bear, but if they drive us 
more and more to the Master, and keep out a light spirit, and 
deepen us in the blessed Truth, so that our example will be ef- 
fectual to draw others to the love of it, they will be great bless- 
ings to us, and fit us for greater service in the Lord's church 
and vineyard. We have depended much on one another, in- 
stead of relying upon the Lord alone for guidance, wisdom and 
strength ; and He has been taking from us fathers and mothers, 
and permitting the spirit of separation to get in, by which many 
Friends have been alienated from each other. The unity of the 
Spirit being greatly lost, the strength which it gives is much 
withdrawn. There is no way by which the strength of the 
church can be restored, but by the members coming back to the 
first principle, of individually waiting upon the Lord, and seek- 
ing to receive from Him the spirit of prayer, that He would re- 
turn to us, and show us our real condition ; what He would 
have us to come out of, and the high and holy way He would 
have us to walk in. His mercies are the same from generation 
to generation ; and when we are rightly humbled and brought 
back, He will condescend again to our low estate, and lift us up, 
and put songs of praise into our mouths ; and the children will 
be enabled to join in thanksgiving and praise to his great and 
ever-adorable Name. 

Eighth month 4th. Our Select Quarterly Meeting was held 



1855.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 623 

in silence, and felt to me to be a low time, little evidence of Di- 
vine consolation stirring amongst us. 

5th. First-day morning, at our own meeting, I felt drawn to 
revive the injunction, " Be still, and know that I am God;" also 
the gracious declaration, "I am God, and change not, therefore 
ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." The indispensable need 
of this inward stillness and constant waiting upon the Lord, 
that we may know Him, through the operation of his own 
Spirit upon our hearts, was held up ; by which, in prayer to 
Him, we shall be delivered from the power of the enemy, who 
would destroy us by his temptations, and lead us to cast away 
our confidence in the Lord's mercy and protecting power. 

6th. I went to our Quarterly Meeting, under depression and 
fear. There was a season of solid quiet over the meeting; 
during which, I believe, souls were brought to hunger and strug- 
gle for a blessing. Communications were delivered which 
directed to the great work of salvation. Some were warned of 
the consequences of being ashamed of Christ before men, in deny- 
ing the simplicity which He requires, though they might con- 
fess Him with the tongue. I rejoiced in the evidence furnished, 
that the Lord was still mindful of us, and extended his mercy 
towards us. How is this meeting changed by the removal of 
substantial and dignified ministers and elders by death ; but I 
trust others are preparing for service in Christ's church. 

16th. Having some pointings to Salem Quarterly Meeting, 
and feeling tender sympathy with discouraged ones there, I 
went to Woodbury. The meeting was about the usual size, and 
the Lord condescended to give the word, and authority to de- 
clare it. I felt engaged to press upon all, the need of being 
diligent in the work of their soul's salvation, which no man can 
do for us. The Lord's quickening power, I believe, was felt 
among us, and Friends appeared to be glad to have us with 
them. 

21st. I was at the North Meeting; in which I was led to 
warn some of the danger of un watchfulness, and taking flight 
in the winter season, or on the sabbath-day. Man is not to live 
by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the 
mouth of God. We must endure patiently his appointed means 
for our refinement, that we may be prepared for his return to 
our souls, and be preserved from losing the little we had already 
gained. 



624 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1855. 

29th. Many of our friends have been absent from the city 
this summer, and though we have enjoyed much peace, the want 
of their society, and the smallness of our meetings, make a blank 
that causes us to feel some languor and emptiness, which is de- 
pressing. As the true harmony and fellowship subsist in the 
Society, we shall be more one another's strength and joy 
whether present or absent. But the present sense of weakness 
may contribute to our humiliation, and safe keeping on the 
watch. 

Ninth month 12th. Rode up to Medford, and attended Had- 
donfield Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, in which 
we felt much with a suffering remnant there, to whom my wife 
ministered in a consoling manner. Went to the mansion of our 
beloved friend Lydia Stokes. The society of this aged Friend, 
as well as of some others, was attended with feelings of peace- 
fulness and sweet unity. She is another of the pillars in the 
Lord's house, who has a heavy burden to bear, and who we can- 
not expect will be much longer continued in this militant state. 
Here we heard the affecting intelligence of the death of our 
much valued friend, Sarah Hillman, of the Northern District; 
a sound minister of the gospel, and possessing a clear under- 
standing in matters pertaining to the service of the church, be- 
yond most of her years. Her removal was quite a shock to me, 
though I had heard she was very ill ; yet secretly hoped it 
might be consistent with the Divine will, to prolong her life to 
old age, for the church's sake, which feels the need of the help 
of such exercised ones. 

13th. Went to the Quarterly Meeting, under heaviness of 
heart. It was a large collection of people, and a sense that in- 
dividual concern for their own salvation, was greatly wanting 
in a large number, was the prevailing feeling of my mind. 
After a time of silence, I believed it right to rise with the testi- 
mony, that religion is an internal work, between the soul and 
its Almighty Creator; and was led to open the doctrine, that in 
his mercy, He gives every one a sight of his condition in the 
fallen, transgressing nature, and if he receives the Lord Jesus 
in his appearance in the heart, He not only shows him his sins, 
but will give him power to forsake them, and grant repentance 
and forgiveness. He breaks down the kingdom of Satan, casts 
him out, and prepares the soul, by the baptism of the Holy 



1355.] * JOURNAL or WILLIAM EVANS. 625 

Ghost and fire, to be a temple for him, by his Holy Spirit, to 
dwell in. 

Tenth month 1st. The printed minutes of Ohio Yearly Meet- 
ing, which have been received, are comforting, in the belief 
that Friends there had been favored with the presence of the 
Head of the church, qualifying them to transact their concerns 
for the edification of their members, and the exaltation of the 
Lord's name and honor. Their trials are great, from having 
been wrongfully rejected by other Yearly Meetings, while those 
who separated from them have been acknowledged as a Yearly 
Meeting. I hope the Lord will judge between them, and grant 
patience and faith to his afflicted children, to hold on in the 
right way, to the support of his cause, and the growth of the 
members in the Truth. 

18th. Feeling drawn to attend the burial of our late beloved 
friend, Margaret M. Smith, my wife and myself went up to Bur- 
lington for that purpose this morning. A terrible catastrophe 
occurred on the New York Eailroad, a few miles north of this 
town, by which a number were killed, and others wounded. 
Many of them were brought to Burlington, and this dear Friend, 
whose heart was ever ready to sympathize with the sufferer, had 
a man and his wife, in a maimed condition, brought to her 
house, which she gave up almost entirely to them, their connexions 
and servants ; herself rendering much assistance in nursing them. 
A scene so affecting and so different from anything she had par- 
ticipated in, by which her feelings could not but be powerfully 
wrought upon, proved too great a strain for her nervous sys- 
tem ; and in a short time after all were removed from her house, 
she became indisposed. Medical skill proving unavailing, she 
gradually sank away, beyond the control of human remedies, 
and departed this life on the evening of the 15th. 

She was a woman of remarkable philanthropy and kindness 
to all, especially the distressed and the poor ; and a humble, self- 
denying follower of Christ, shown by her steady, consistent 
walk through life ; one of the pure in heart, and of the salt of 
the earth ; possessed of a good understanding and discernment 
in religious things. She maintained an undeviating testimony 
against the attempted innovations in principle made vpon the 
faith of Friends; and was a comforter of others who took the 
same stand. Her views of the plainness and simplicity which 
the Truth leads into, did not admit of making unnecessary dis- 



626 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1855. 



play, while true comfort and abundance were provided by her, 
Thus another of the true seed of Christ's kingdom, has been 
gathered to her everlasting rest in Him, among the children of 
the first resurrection ; not by works of righteousness that she 
had done, but according to the mercy of God, by the washing 
of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost ; which 
He hath shed on us abundantly, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. I believed it right to bear testimony, at her grave, of 
the belief, that she was gone to the multitude that surround the 
holy throne ; being made a partaker of the salvation purchased 
for us, through the precious blood of Christ. It is not our place 
to question the right of Him who rules in the armies of heaven, 
and among the kingdoms of men, to call away the members of 
the militant church, when He pleases; but every one removed, 
is the taking away of salt from among us, and should incite us 
to ponder our true condition, and to ask, in the spirit of prayer, 
of Him to supply our needs, and to raise up others to fill the 
vacancies made by the transition of faithful servants to the 
church triumphant in heaven. 

Eleventh month 4th. At our meeting this morning, (first-day,) 
I was constrained again to warn some, that there were but 
twelve hours in the day, in which men may work, and then the 
night cometh wherein no man can work. That their day was 
passing away, and it was evident they were neglecting the busi- 
ness of salvation, in the pursuit and love of the things of the 
world. None knew when their day would expire ; it may come 
to a close unexpectedly, and if laid on a death bed, with the 
work unaccomplished, awful must be the prospect of a never- 
ending eternity. Many have been landed in that condition, 
when they would have given everything for a little time, to do 
this all-important work. Some were pleaded with in the love 
of the gospel, to give up all that the Lord's controversy was 
with, and submit to the terms of salvation, while the day lasted. 
My dear wife knelt and supplicated, that if any had been drawn 
to this meeting, and were made sensible that the shades of the 
evening had come upon them, and the great work of salvation 
was not done, they might yield to the convicting power of the 
Holy Spirit, and before it was too late, show forth the goodness 
and mercy of God, in plucking them as brands from the burning ; 
by walking in his fear, and drawing others to glorify God, on 



1855.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 627 

their behalf. It was a solemn, impressive time, and I hoped 
some were reached. 

5th. The meeting for worship, before entering on the busi- 
ness of our Quarterly Meeting, to-day, was a solid and instruc- 
tive season. 

18th. I have felt much emptied of Divine consolation and 
strength, for days past, both in meeting and out of it. Refrain- 
ing from much conversation, and endeavoring to draw near to 
the Lord in spirit, I have believed to be the safest place for 
me ; and I trust, that preservation on the watch has been ex- 
perienced. The prospect of religious service is much with- 
drawn; and discouragement as to any benefit arising from it, 
when the fresh anointing is felt, is often the accompaniment of 
my mind ; but I endeavor to hold on my way, and to seek for 
ability to trust in the never-failing Helper of the poor and 
needy. 

20th. My dear wife feeling drawn to attend the Quarterly 
Meeting at Rahway, we set off this morning in the cars, and 
got to our friends, Joseph and Martha Shotwell's, about noon, 
where we put up. Next day we were at their Select Meeting ; 
in which we both had some service, encouraging the few who 
felt poor in spirit, and were mourning for the desolations of our 
Society. Also holding up the testimony of our blessed Saviour, 
that without Him we can do nothing ; and hence the need of 
waiting for the arising of his life and power, to quicken and 
qualify for the work He would bid us to do. 

22d. The Quarterly Meeting was a very small company ; but 
few there from Shrewsbury and Plainfield; all the meetings 
being in a dwindling condition. 

Twelfth month 7th. Having been at Westtown, attending 
the meeting of the committee, which prevented me from being 
at our usual week-day meeting, I went this morning to that in 
Arch Street; which was small for that large house. We sat 
more than an hour in silence, during which the circumstance 
of Christ calling his disciples, sheep, and on commissioning them 
to go forth, telling them, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in 
the midst of wolves ; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and 
harmless as doves," was brought before me. I felt fearful of 
speaking, lest I might act without his authority, and thus in- 
jure the good cause; so that I seemed likely to come away 
without breaking the silence. But finally the fear of putting 



628 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1855. 



by a right impression, induced me to stand up with those words, 
and to show that the true disciples, who keep in the Spirit of 
their Divine Master, in times of suffering and persecution, were 
like sheep in the midst of wolves ; and they were to be wise as, 
but not in the serpent's wisdom, but in that which cometh from 
Him, who is the wisdom of God, and the power of God ; and to 
be clothed with the harmlessness of the dove ; showing the na- 
ture of Him who is the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin 
of the world. Though not exposed to outward persecution at 
this day, yet there is much suffering to be endured ; and when 
the cup that is to be partaken of, for the body's sake, which is 
the church, is presented, we are to drink it with resignation to 
Him, and it will contribute to our humiliation and preservation 
in Christ. When suffering is withdrawn, how liable are we to 
take our ease in the comforts with which we are surrounded. 
The nearer we draw to the close of our journey, the more need 
there is to be clad with the holy, harmless and undefiled nature 
and spirit of Christ. When the disciples returned from the ac- 
complishment of their mission, and told their Lord that even 
the devils were subject to them, through his name; He said, 
"Kejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you, but rather 
rejoice because your names are written in heaven." This is the 
all-important object of our lives, to be prepared, by his power 
giving us the victory over all the power of the enemy, to have 
our names recorded in the Lamb's book of life. Nothing is 
worthy of competition with this. ~No name or fame among 
men ; all that our companions may say in our favor, are nothing. 
We must individually stand before the tribunal of Jesus Christ, 
and receive a reward according to our deeds ; we can have none 
of them to plead our cause there. 



1855.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 629 

CHAPTEE XXXI. 

1855—1857. 

Religious Engagements at and about Home. 

1855, Twelfth month 10th. Feeling drawn to attend Had- 
donfield Monthly Meeting, I went over to it this morning. The 
company was smaller than usual. This is discouraging to those 
who are constrained to endeavor to keep up their religious 
meetings, and to do what their hands find to do, in support of 
the cause of Christ. They go through much mental exercise 
on account of it, often fearing that their meetings will dwindle 
away, and the members become scattered to the world. For 
this class, J felt much, while sitting with them, and was led to 
show that the Lord's people, in many instances, had passed 
through much humiliation and bitter suffering before He saw 
fit to manifest Himself for their deliverance. The children of 
Israel in Egypt, and the Jews in the reign of Ahasuerus, ap- 
"peared to be exposed to destruction. Moses and Mordecai were 
brought very low, before they were used as instruments in the 
Lord's hand, in bringing about the liberation of that people 
from bondage, and the murderous designs of Haman ; but the 
Lord made way for them, and He can do it in this day, for us, 
when his time comes. We must learn to bear affliction, and to 
wait upon Him, and as we are enabled, pray to Him, to give us 
faith and patience, and to extend his compassion to his tribula- 
ted children, for their support and consolation. 

21st. For some days past, it seemed out of my power to come 
at inward, humble waiting upon the Lord, or to feel the spirit 
of prayer in tender cries unto Him for help. Our Meeting for 
Sufferings, to-day, called forth but little religious feeling and 
exercise ; the subjects which claimed its attention, being much 
of an outward character. I thought the day for my taking part 
in the services of Society was drawing to a close. It is like 
being stripped of all armor and qualification ; which, will no 
doubt be placed on others, who will be called into the Lord's 
work. If I can be favored to retire to the inner temple, and 
partake of the cup of suffering, for my own purification,, more 
41 



630 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1856. 

and more experiencing the silence of all flesh, and keeping stead- 
fastly upon the watch-tower, to see what the Lord shall say 
unto me, if He condescend to speak, and what I shall answer 
when I am reproved, preservation and greater deepening in the 
Divine life, I humbly hope, may be more fully known. 

23d. Having for some time had a draft to Cropwell Meet- 
ing, I went there this morning, first-day. I was brought into 
sympathy with those who love the Lord Jesus, and feel bound 
to endeavor to hold their meetings according to our testimony to 
inward spiritual worship, and when able to attend, cannot stay 
from them. To these, I was led to minister, I hope, a cup of 
consolation and encouragement ; that they might hold on faith- 
fully, setting a good example to the young people, that they 
may be gathered to Christ, and a band of living witnesses be 
raised up among them. Invitation was also extended to the 
young people, who are favored with clear convictions of the 
Holy Spirit, setting their sins in order before them, to yield to 
the Divine will, and let the Lord make them what He would 
have them to be ; and they would know Him to effect the work 
of sanctification, to their own peace, and the comfort of the 
church. I was also bowed in thanksgiving to the Father of 
mercies, that there were preserved in that place a remnant, upon 
whom rested a concern to be found in their allotment ; and 
humble prayer was put up, that in his mercy, He would sustain 
these, and make them instrumental in gathering the children 
and the young people to his beloved Son, that they may be pre- 
pared to occupy their places in the church, and support the cause 
and testimonies of Truth. 

1856, First month 8th. The great importance of being pre- 
served from the power of the tempter, came over me with much 
weight this morning, before 1 rose ; and I was brought to put 
up fervent, mental cries to the God of all our sure mercies, that 
He would not suffer me to fall into temptation ; that in unmer- 
ited mercy, He would forgive and blot out my sins, and remem- 
ber them no more ; and that whatever He saw meet, to humble 
and keep me on the watch, He would, in his tender compassion, 
administer, for my preservation from evil. I remembered some 
who had been highly favored, and had afterwards slidden from 
the foundation. I thought of our beloved friend Thomas Kite, 
how he had been taken away before he reached my age, in 
peace and brightness ; and it was to me more desirable to be 



1856.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 631 



removed from this scene, before anything should dim the char- 
acter, which through grace, we may have been favored to attain, 
than to be continued here to old age, and lose the life and vir- 
tue of religion, which had been our experience to possess. He 
who, of his own good pleasure, begins the work of regeneration, 
and carries it on to its perfection, can alone keep us from falling, 
and in the end present us faultless before the throne of his 
glory, with exceeding joy. May it be my experience, though 
unworthy of the least of all his favors. 

20th. We have had very severe weather, at different times, 
since the beginning of the year ; the mercury having been seve- 
ral degrees below zero in the city, and still colder in parts of 
the neighboring country. Much snow has fallen, making trav- 
elling in many places very difficult, particularly on some rail- 
roads : also encumbering our streets, which have been covered 
with an unusual thickness of ice. Many ways are adopted to 
meet the necessities of the poor, though there is not so much 
street begging as last winter. It is evident, the more that is 
done for those beggars, the more importunate they become; 
availing themselves of every source of supply they can; by 
which, unworthy persons often deprive more deserving objects 
of what they should receive ; but it would be wrong to allow 
any to suffer from want, however unjustifiable their course 
may be. 

On first-day morning, the 17th, I was again engaged to preach 
the everlasting gospel, both concerning the coming of the Son 
of God in the flesh; his propitiatory death for the sins of the 
whole world ; his glorious advocacy at the right hand of the 
Father, and as being the Source of all saving knowledge of God, 
by the immediate revelation of his Holy Spirit in the heart. It 
is the grace that comes by Jesus Christ alone, that can impart 
the saving knowledge that is life eternal. The heart must re- 
ceive Christ in his spiritual appearance, submit to his will, for- 
sake all and follow Him, in order to receive this knowledge of 
God, and hold communion with Him, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Many are willing to believe the doctrines of the New 
Testament, but refuse to deny themselves, forsake sin, and fol- 
low the Lamb of God whithersoever He leads; and thus they 
fail to become partakers of the fulness of the blessing of the 
gospel of Christ. Oh, the want of the pure and undefiled life 
of Christ Jesus, ruling in 1 he professors of his name ! 



632 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1856. 

Third month 12th. The weather this week has been very- 
cold for the time of year ; the mercury in thermometers in the 
city, being but six to nine degrees above zero, for one or two 
days, and in the country, at a degree or two below zero. There 
has been much difficulty in opening the navigation of the Dela- 
ware. Vessels which have been at the breakwater many weeks, 
have now been towed up by ice-boats ; and though it is still 
quite cold, it is hoped the channel may be kept open, and that 
laboring men may have opportunity to obtain employment, to 
keep them from suffering ; of which it is to be feared there have 
been not a few instances this winter. It has been throughout a 
severe winter ; long and tedious. 

13th. I went to Haddonfield this morning, and attended the 
Quarterly Meeting held there, which was large, several Friends 
from two or three other Quarters being there. In the second 
meeting, it appeared to be my place, to call Friends to the 
quickening, heart-changing power of the Holy Spirit; which 
prepared the early Friends to understand and to open to the 
people, the doctrines and the nature of the gospel dispensation. 
It is the same Divine life that can open them to us, and which 
will bind us conscientiously to maintain them before the world, 
and to all people ; not in word only, but by consistent lives and 
conversation. Eeturned home in the evening, thankful we were 
permitted to land safely, there being much heavy ice in the 
river. 

15th. This evening, near nine o'clock, the steamboat in 
which we had crossed the river, in going to and from Haddon- 
field, took fire. Being old, and the timber very dry, the flames 
spread rapidly, and the captain not being able to get her through 
the canal in the island opposite the city, on account of the ice, 
an attempt was made to run her back to the wharf; but the 
steersman's house was soon enveloped in the flame, so that he 
was driven from the wheel ; and thus being left to the current, 
which turned her from her course, and swept her off again into 
the stream, before any could spring to the wharf, which was by 
some attempted, she drifted away, and was finally grounded on 
the bar. There was said to have been one hundred persons on 
board, sixty-two of whom it is supposed were lost, either by 
being burned to death, or by being drowned, after jumping into 
the river. Boats of different descriptions were put off for their 
relief, but being night, and probably but few at hand, the de- 



1856.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 633 

struction of life was fearful. Such an awful event has never be- 
fore occurred on our river, that we have any account of. Death, 
overtaking so many, who could have had no apprehension of 
it, a few minutes before leaving the wharf, and under such 
dreadful circumstances, had much effect upon the public mind, 
as well as bringing deep distress on surviving connections and 
friends. 

18th. I went to the North Meeting, under some trial of 
faith. It was a large collection, many school children being 
there. The circumstance of parents being rebuked by some, for 
bringing their children to the Saviour, that He might lay his 
hand on them and bless them, was presented to my mind ; and 
after waiting, and trying the fleece wet and dry, the subject 
was opened ; and the danger alluded to, of persons placing stum- 
bling-blocks in the way of the children, whose minds are brought 
under Divine conviction ; and thereby turning them aside from 
their Saviour. The mercy and goodness of our Heavenly Fa- 
ther, in watching over and warning young people of the temp- 
tations of Satan, and the enticements of wicked persons ; of 
which I could testify from experience, when an apprentice boy, 
and the Lord's defence, vouchsafed by the horror suddenly 
brought over me, were referred to ; and all pleaded with to 
mind the visitations and requirings of the Most High extended 
to them. Ability was graciously granted to preach the gospel, 
under the quickening power of the Holy Spirit, which reached 
and tendered the hearts of some, and I came home thankful for 
the unmerited favor. 

23d. It is not the hearers, but the doers, of the law, that are 
justified. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith with- 
out works is dead also. It is those who do the sayings of Christ, 
that build upon the rock ; and when the floods beat upon their 
house, it will not fall, because it is founded upon a rock. 

30th. On fifth-day, the 27th, I was at the Philadelphia 
Monthly Meeting. I felt required to mention the fasting, al- 
most to famishing, which the Lord's children had at times to 
endure ; but that it was a great mercy to have preserved a hun- 
ger and thirst after righteousness, for in his time we shall be 
filled. The subject opened so as to show that whatever were 
our growths, experiences or gifts, we can do nothing, and are 
nothing, without Christ. The goodness of the Lord, in filling 
my heart with these Divine things, was humbling, and renew- 



634 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1856. 

edly manifested his watching care over, and preserving goodness 
towards his poor, dependent children. 

After so severe a winter, it has been cause of gratitude, that 
the great quantity of snow and ice has so gradually dissolved 
and passed away, as to produce but little damage. How merci- 
ful is our Father in heaven towards poor, sinful, rebellious man ! 
and how ought we to lay to heart, the withholding of his judg- 
ments and anger, for the wickedness that prevails in the land : 
to humble ourselves and implore his forgiveness of our sins, and 
for strength to forsake them, and to walk uprightly before Him ; 
bringing forth the fruits of holiness, to the praise of his great 
and glorious Name. 

Fourth month 28th. Our Yearly Meeting was held last 
week ; in which I was again continued clerk, and I thought I 
had never passed through so much suffering, from day to day, 
as I did through the whole of its sessions. 

Accompanying the London epistle, was a printed statement 
of the reasons governing that meeting, in its acknowledgment 
of the separate meeting in Ohio ; which some wished to have 
read. After it was deliberately read, Samuel Bettle, Sr., ex- 
pressed his dissent from their conclusion to own that party in 
Ohio, and bore a very decided testimony against separations in 
our religious Society ; as they were no remedy of evils or diffi- 
culties. Our place was to bear, and patiently suffer until the 
Lord brought relief. He referred to George Fox's epistle, writ- 
ten from Amsterdam, against a spirit that was seeking to pro- 
mote divisions and separations iu the Society, at that day. I 
think that the manner in which separations, and their conse- 
quences, were treated, had a useful effect upon many minds. 

Seventh month 9th. This morning we were favored with the 
cheering and strengthening presence of the Lord, at our fourth- 
day meeting at Orange street. I was impressed with the belief 
that the Lord is at work in the hearts of many, to prepare them 
for service in his church, as they dedicate themselves unto Him. 
What is wanting, is for every one to look into his own heart ; 
not to be looking out to see what others are to do. When Moses 
was told that Eldad and Meclad prophesied in the camp, Joshua 
said, "My lord Moses forbid them." But Moses said unto him, 
"Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord's 
people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit 
upon them!" Though it is not to be expected that every one 



1856.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 635 



t 



will be made a vocal minister of the Gospel, yet every submissive 
soul would be favored with a measure of the spirit of discern- 
ment, and under the Divine influence, would be qualified, at 
times, to speak of what the Lord had done for it, to the instruc- 
tion and comfort of other seeking ones ; and I believe more min- 
isters would be raised up to preach the everlasting Gospel, as 
the visible church was more generally gathered into obedience 
to the blessed and adorable Head. 

25th. Poverty of spirit, and the feelings of mourning over 
the present state of the Society, have been my portion. The 
weight of discouragement at times, seems heavy to bear, so that 
there is a secret longing for a release. Oh ! for a renewed evi- 
dence that Divine regard is not withdrawn, but that His mercy 
is lengthened out still. Nothing seems to sustain the poor, 
tabulated soul, like a secret, quickening sense that the Lord is 
near, watching over and defending us. The devil is walking 
about, as a roariDg lion, seeking to devour us, and to prevail on 
us to cast away our faith and hope, and no longer to look to the 
Lord for help ; and in these days of darkness and fear, true, ex- 
perienced Friends, seem to be few. But like Job, may we, in the 
Lord's way and time, witness a change, and our last state be 
better than it was in the beginning. 

29th. For several weeks we have had very warm weather, 
the mercury almost daily being from ninety to one hundred de- 
grees in the shade, and but little rain has fallen within the last 
three weeks ; so that the ground has become much parched, and 
vegetation dried ; creating fears, in some places, of the loss of 
the crops, and the necessary supply of grass for the cattle. 
Such heat, and the rain withheld, show us how dependent we are 
upon Divine Providence, and the need of remembering this con- 
stant dependence, and of receiving with more thankfulness, 
than it is to be feared many do, the temporal as well as spiritual 
favors that are bestowed upon us. How easily could He cut off 
our supplies of food, and command a famine in the land ; so that 
life would be in danger. ATe have been fed to the full, and it 
may be, have forgotten, that all we enjoy is the bounty of heaven ; 
and have continued to live too much as if there was no danger, 
but that we had our blessings at command. But the Lord's mercy 
is lengthened out to a wicked and gainsaying people. To-day 
some rain has fallen, and the weather being clouded, we have 
hope for more. The little lightning and thunder we have had 



636 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1856. 

this season is quite remarkable ; no heavy thunder-gusts have 
occurred in this part of the country. 

Eighth month 3d. Quite a heavy shower with lightning, this 
afternoon ; very refreshing to vegetation. 

4th. Our Quarterly Meeting was rather a heavy time ; though 
not without some encouragement, through instrumental labor of 
others. 

20th. This week I went to the Northern District, and the 
Arch Street Meetings, feeling the pointing of the Divine finger, 
under a sense of much weakness and poverty. When I sat 
down in the meetings, I was tried with many things rushing 
into my mind, producing discouragement, and a sense of great 
unworthiness, and incapacity for the Lord's work. What I had 
to say, which I believe was from the Lord's putting forth, was 
all brought into my mind, after getting out other things, by the 
secret working of the Holy Spirit. I believe some were brought 
under serious feelings, and I hope some were comforted, and 
others animated to look into their own conditions, whether their 
work is going on with the day. I came away from both meet- 
ings, peaceful. 

On the 22d my wife and myself went On a visit to our friends 
J. B. and wife, at Columbus, New Jersey. It proved a pleasant 
interview, and interchange of sentiment and feeling. They are 
honestly concerned for the right maintenance of the cause of 
Truth, as our first Friends were bound to support and promul- 
gate it to the world. 

On the 24th, rode thence to Eancocas, and attended the week- 
day meeting; in which, through condescending goodness and 
love, we were engaged in the ministry; and several Friends ex- 
pressed their gladness at our stopping in with them. Many of 
the meetings within our Yearly Meeting, have no minister ; and 
though the life and growth of true religion are not dependent 
on ministers ; yet were the members living daily under the sub- 
jecting power of Christ, we may believe that more gifts would be 
given, both for the ministry and the eldership. To the primi- 
tive church they were dispensed for the building of it up ; for 
the instruction and feeding of the children, the lambs of the 
flock ; and they would be continued to be given for the praise 
and glory of the Great Head, and for the promotion of his 
cause, were the members prepared to receive them. But the 
things of this fading world, the love of ease and creaturely en- 



1856.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 637 

joyments, absorb the thoughts and affections of many, whose 
hearts are not open to let the King of glory come in, and set up 
his kingdom there. Thus the all-important work of sanctifi- 
cation is obstructed ; and such remain unfit to receive gifts, and 
therefore cannot occupy them ; and the glory which would rest 
upon us as a religious body, were we faithful to the Lord, does 
not appear among us as it has in days past. 

Tenth month 2d. This morning I was drawn into a consid- 
eration of the continued mercy and goodness of the Lord, ex- 
tended to me from childhood up to this day. I have been de- 
livered from many temptations and evils, and provided with 
everything necessary for my comfort and subsistence through 
life ; and experienced the Lord to be with me in many trials, and 
strippings, and baptisms, in the work of regeneration. My faith 
was renewed in his condescending goodness and preserving 
power ; and that those who hold out to the end shall die in the 
arms of their Saviour. 

5th. This day I am sixty-nine years old, and have been re- 
markably blessed with health, and with many outward and 
spiritual comforts ; for which I have great cause to devote my- 
self, and all that I have, to the Lord's disposal and service ; and 
to return gratitude and thanksgiving to Him for all his mercies, 
which are new every morning. May my dear children, be induced 
by Divine grace, to surrender themselves entirely to his blessed 
will, and thereby be prepared to take their places in the church 
of Christ, in the support and promotion of the great cause of 
truth and righteousness. And may He, who began the work 
of regeneration at an early period of my life, unworthy as I 
am of the least of all his favors, continue to be round about, 
and preserve me to the end ; that I may never be permitted to 
do anything to bring the least stain upon the truth, or its holy 
cause ; but by, and through the Lord's power, be kept in the 
low valley of humility, looking to and relying upon Him daily 
for his guidance, and the sustaining virtue of his Divine life. 

Eleventh month 16th. This morning, (first-day,) the Lord 
condescended, I believe, to draw near again ; bringing me under 
exercise for individuals in our meeting, who are at times brought 
to feel their undone condition, and to long for deliverance from 
spiritual bondage ; and in the openings of his Spirit, I was led 
to minister to such, and to point out that there is no way by 
which we can be released from the bondage of sin and corrup- 



638 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1856. 

tion, but by coming to Christ Jesus in his appearance in the 
heart ; taking his yoke upon us, denying ourselves and follow- 
ing Him in the way of regeneration. I trust the solemnizing 
power of Christ went over the meeting; and my dear wife was 
prostrated in supplication for the children, and the rebellious. 
We had cause humbly to thank the Lord for the renewed man- 
ifestation of his Divine regard and condescension, to us poor un- 
worthy creatures, and to breathe in spirit, that He would con- 
tinue his humbling and preserving power, to keep us in his fear 
and favor. 

27th. Felt drawn to attend the Arch Street Meeting. Pretty 
soon after being seated, the expressions of our Lord presented: 
"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth 
alone ; bat if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." The apostle 
declared that he died daily, and asked the believers, " Know ye 
not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were 
baptized into his death ; therefore we are buried with Him by 
baptism into death ; that like as Christ was raised from the 
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk 
in newness of life." The dealings of the Head of the church, 
with the members of his body, are a mystery to the natural, un- 
regenerate man, which he cannot understand, nor believe in. 
They are known only through living experience ; and those who 
submit to his humbling, reducing baptisms into death, as they 
abide under them in patience, when they have accomplished his 
purpose, He will raise them up out of this death, by his power, 
into newness of life. Thus He prepares the creature for his 
service, and carries forward the work of sanctification. These, 
know Him to be the author and the finisher of their faith, and 
can believe and savingly understand the testimony of the Holy 
Scriptures, concerning the mysterious operations of the Holy 
Spirit, and bear a true declaration concerning them. 

Twelfth month 13th. Since my return from attending the 
School Committee at Westtown, I have been quite unwell, and 
the apprehension that my day was drawing to a close, has been 
much upon my mind. There are so many trials and distressing 
feelings arising from the state of our poor Society, that some- 
times I seem ready to desire to be permitted to depart and be 
with Christ, if the right time was come, and through his un- 
merited mercy, He would prepare me for the awful change. 
Excepting the preciousness of my dear wife and children, and 



1857.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 639 

other near connections, there seems nothing to attach me to the 
world. I have been provided with everything necessary for 
comfort in this life, but they are only for this life ; and when 
the end comes, they are of no value to the immortal soul. To 
be washed, and sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord 
Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God, is the one great thing need- 
ful. May this be my blessed experience before the close comes, 
so that an entrance may be administered into the everlasting 
kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, among the generations of 
the blessed. 

28th. I have been wrapped up in silence for weeks. To-day, 
there seemed a little opening to point out the necessity of doing 
the work which every one is called to perform ; by which our 
own salvation, and that of others, will be promoted. 

1857, Second month 2d. We had an uncommonly large Quar- 
terly Meeting, which was held in great stillness to the close. 
In that for discipline, our aged friend S. Bettle, Sr., advocated 
some of the testimonies borne by Friends, and counselled the 
young people against attending certain lectures, now become 
numerous, and which, in his opinion, were likely to draw the 
mind from the retirement and religious exercise, necessary for a 
growth in the Divine life. I added the expression of my unity 
with what be said ; and that I believed every one who had sub- 
mitted to the power of Divine grace, if tbey looked back at 
their first espousals to Christ, would see they were then brought 
under conscientious scruples, to do nothing that would bring a 
blemish on their religious profession ; and as they kept to this, 
they were preserved out of many temptations they had not fore- 
seen. 

9th. Went to Concord, and attended the Quarterly Meeting 
for Ministers and Elders ; and was exercised on the importance 
of the duties of elders, and of their faithful discharge of them. 
They were reminded of the advice to watch over one another 
for good ; to warn those who run into words without life and 
power, that we may be helpful to one another ; and be united 
in true love and fellowship. 

10th. The Meeting for Discipline was unusually small, occa- 
sioned by the difficulty of getting through some of the roads, 
now much obstructed by snow and ice, which probably discour- 
aged many from coming. I had something to communicate 
in the second meeting, on the exercise of the discipline, and the 



640 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. , [1857. 

requisite qualification for service in the church, which is only 
received from the great Head. This is to be waited for in rever- 
ent silence before Him, who opens to us our respective duties, 
and gives ability to perform them. 

Third month 8th. Many of the sins of my youth have been 
brought into remembrance this day, producing the question, 
whether they have been forgiven ; under which, a degree of 
humiliation was felt, and desires raised before the Lord, that hits 
mercy may be extended, so that they may be blotted out and 
cast behind his back. I remembered that Job was made to 
possess the sins of his youth, after the testimony had been pro- 
nounced, that he was a perfect, and an upright man ; doubtless 
to show him his nothingness, and that he had no ground to rest 
upon, but the mercies and forgiveness of God. When he was 
thoroughly humbled, in the end of this severe dispensation, he 
said, " I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now 
mine eye seeth thee ; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in 
dust and ashes ;" and " The Lord turned his captivity, and gave 
him twice as much as he had before." May I know again and 
again the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost, and thereby be enabled to confess my sins unto God, and 
receive his forgiveness and pardon, through the blood of his 
adorable Son, our Redeemer and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

10th. Peeling a draft in my mind, I sat with the Friends of 
the North Meeting, being their mid-week meeting. Sympathy 
with the burden-bearers, clothed my mind ; also for the dear 
visited children, who have few fathers and mothers to look up 
to. The language of encouragement arose in my heart, " Thus 
saith the Lord, that created thee, Jacob, Fear not, for I 
have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art 
mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with 
thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee ; when 
thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither 
shall the flame kindle upon thee." 

Fifth month 19th. Was held our Meeting for Sufferings ; in 
which our friend W.G., from Ireland, had a little service. It 
felt to me that the time was come, for me to be released from 
the clerkship; and proposing that a committee be appointed to 
bring forward a Friend to serve in my place, it was done. 

21st. This has been a day of poverty, and seemingly striving 
for bread in vain ; but in the evening, at the close of our read- 



1857.1 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 641 

ing in the New Testament, the impression came sweetly over 
my mind, it is a blessing to have the Son of Peace to take up 
his abode in our habitation ; which I felt fresh desires may be 
more and more known by every one of us, in our individual ex- 
perience. Without it there is no true happiness. 

22d. There seemed to be a renewed qualification to encourage 
Friends to hold fast their confidence in the omnipotent Captain 
of Salvation. He delivered his people out of the hands of their 
enemies, in days of old. He raised up our Society to promul- 
gate anew, the truths of the everlasting gospel, and He can now 
deliver us from our trials and difficulties, and raise up others to 
declare the same blessed doctrines and testimonies; as we give 
up to his holy will, made known in our hearts. 

Eighth month 13th. Feeling an intimation to attend the 
Quarterly Meeting of Salem, I went to Woodbury this morning, 
and sat down in the meeting, under a sense of its, and my own 
stripped condition ; and the few there are left to visit Friends 
in different places. We sat an hour in silence, when it seemed 
to be my business, to set forth the inward work of religion upon 
the heart ; and that where it is submitted to, it leads into retire- 
ment before the Lord ; in which the spirit of prayer is at times 
given, to ask forgiveness for past sins, and for strength to resist 
the enemy and his temptations. The people of the world are 
looking out for the faults of others, and feeding upon them ; but 
the Lord's visited and faithful children are concerned to have 
their own hearts searched, that every thing contrary to his will 
may be done away, and they made to bring forth the fruits of 
his Spirit, to the praise of his great Name. Their language is, 
" Search me, O G-od, and know my heart; try me and know my 
thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead 
me in the way everlasting." The tribulated seed were encour- 
aged to trust in the Lord, and to look to Him daily, for the 
arising of his power to help them in their trials, and to gather 
the children. The latter were persuaded to obey the offers of 
Divine grace and mercy, which are of more value than anything 
in this world. These are the days of the Son of Man to their 
souls, which we have no power to command, and if rejected, 
know not that they will ever be renewed. I thought the ten- 
dering power of Christ was felt by many among them, for which 
we have cause to be thankful to the great Lord of the harvest. 

Ninth month 14th. Feeling a pointing of the Divine finger 



642 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1857. 

to Haddonfield Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, I went over 
the river this morning, and attended their Monthly Meeting 
In the first sitting I was drawn to address them on the import- 
ance of each one laboring in his own vineyard, while the call 
was extended. If any, by the renewed visitations of Divine 
grace, were brought to sec that their time had been spent with- 
out this labor, and that the eleventh hour of the day was at 
hand, it was all important they should obey the call, to enter 
into their vineyard and there work, that they may obtain the 
reward at the end of the day. 

On fourth-day morning, went to Medford, where the Quar- 
terly Meeting is to be held at this time. 

16th. The Meeting of Ministers and Elders was small. After 
the Queries and Answers had been read, I had some remarks 
to make on the essential need of keeping in the life of Truth. 
That a profession however sound, would avail little, if we were 
not dwelling in Christ and producing the fruits of his Spirit. 

The Quarterly Meeting was larger than any other of those in 
the country. We sat long in silence. When it seemed near 
time to close the partition, I had an impression to rise, and 
though it was rather laborious service, I adverted to the import- 
ance of Friends, in their social circles, putting a guard over 
themselves, to avoid lightness, and to abstain from too much 
conversation. After this, the way opened to address different 
states, and to hold up the importance of not suffering the world, 
in its lawful or unlawful concerns, to hinder us from performing 
our duties to our Heavenly Father ; that the work of salvation 
may be carried, on, and we be filling up the places assigned us 
in the church of Christ. I felt peaceful and easy. 

29th. For a week past there has been much distress, owing to 
the failure of some moneyed institutions, and of men in large 
business, and the refusal of our banks to redeem their notes in 
specie. For several years some merchants have been borrowing 
large sums of money, to enable them to engage in extensive spec- 
ulations in various ways ; in stocks, in flour, sugars, and in a 
great expansion of manufacturing establishments. The price of 
articles of food, and other necessaries in living, have been greatly 
enhanced. Now, many of the highest standing as merchants, 
having failed to meet their engagements, and the banks sus- 
pending specie payments, confidence in them has been shaken; 
creating embarrassment from the want of a reliable medium of 



1857.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 643 

circulation. Thus by raising the price of the necessaries of life, 
an unwarrantable tax was laid on the people, when there had 
been no scarcit}^; and when the men engaged in these specula- 
tions could no longer obtain loans of money, to maintain their 
control over those articles, a general breaking up has followed; 
manufactures have stopped, mechanics and others have been 
thrown out of employment, and money transactions involved in 
confusion. It is remarkable that many of those considered the 
most wealthy, and the most sagacious and competent as mer- 
chants, have been the first to become embarrassed; by whom, 
many of the smaller traders, have been involved in great diffi- 
culties, and losses. We have been going on with high heads, as 
if nothing could arrest our progress in excessive trade ; but the 
Lord has his way in the clouds, and thick darkness, and He 
uses the means to bring down the lofty from their great exalta- 
tion, and to chastise the people for their worldly-mi ndedness, 
their rebellion, and their slighting of Him and their duty which 
they daily owe to Him. 

I went this morning to the Northern District Meeting; and 
was led to entreat the young people to give up to the Lord in 
the day of their visitation, and they would gradually know a 
growth in the Truth. Joseph who was hated of his brethren, 
was through faithfulness to his God, prepared to be as a saviour 
to his father's house, and governor over Egypt ; having suffered 
persecution and imprisonment for standing firm to the Divine 
will. He could not foresee that which was afar off, respecting 
himself, but by obedience he was kept in purity, and grew in 
wisdom ; so that his father, on his death-bed, compared him to 
"A fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall: 
the archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated 
him ; but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands 
were made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." 
While a lad, he was cruelly treated by his brethren, some of 
whom would have destroyed him. But he was preserved in the 
fear of the Lord, and the Lord watched over him ; and in process 
of time, made use of him, when way was to be made to keep the 
people alive in famine. He became the instrument in the Divine 
hand, of keeping his father's family in the great dearth which 
spread over the country. Many young people in minding the 
guidance of their Saviour, have steadily advanced in religious 
growth, until, as they grew in years, they have become pillars in 



644 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1857. 

the Lord's house, and instruments in his hand to rebuke trans- 
gressors, and to draw souls to Christ. 

Tenth month. The pecuniary distress continues to increase, 
and one failure makes way for another, so that people are left 
in uncertainty who shall next come to a stop. Business has ex- 
perienced a great check, even with those whose affairs are in a 
safe condition; it being difficult to know whom it would be safe 
to trust. Such a week has not been known by the present gen- 
eration, and well will it be, if reckless and unprincipled men, 
who have too little regarded the law of righteousness and jus- 
tice, are brought to a full sense of their wrong doings, the 
emptiness of ail worldly aggrandisement, and the paramount 
importance of working out their salvation with fear and trem- 
bling before God. 

5th. This day, I am seventy years old, and through mercy 
have been favored with almost continued health ; for which and 
many other blessings, I have cause for deep gratitude and 
thankfulness to the Father of mercies. May I be still enabled, 
by the help of his Holy Spirit, to walk humbly before Him; be 
kept from bringing any shade upon the blessed truth, but in re- 
verent, daily prostration, bring forth fruits of righteousness, to 
the glory and honor of his great Name. 

15th. It was unlooked for to feel my mind turned to the 
Arch Street Meeting, this morning; but though things in the 
outward were dark and gloomy, I thought the truth and its 
cause, and the salvation of souls, remained to be of as great im- 
portance as ever; and the Lord could manifest Himself for our 
good, notwithstanding surrounding discouragements. The na- 
ture and efficacy of true faith were brought before me, and after 
a time of inward waiting, the impression was felt to rise with 
the testimony of the apostle, that "By grace are ye saved, 
through faith, and that not of ourselves ; it is the gift of God';" 
also the declaration of the wonderful power of faith, exempli- 
fied in the experiences of the holy ancients, who through it, 
wrought righteousness, stopped the mouths of lions, &c. This 
faith in God remains to be the same, and it is dispensed to his 
children by the Captain of their salvation, and becomes their 
victory, as they follow Him in the regeneration. Mere belief 
in the truths of the Holy Scriptures, though of inestimable 
value, is not sufficient, without coming to Christ and receiving 
life and power from Him. Some were invited to examine them- 



1857.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 645 

selves, whether anything had drawn them away from the devo- 
tion and faithfulness to Christ, which they had known in years 
past ; whether their worldly pursuits had suppressed the love 
and allegiance they once bore to Him. The obedient ones were 
encouraged to keep fast hold of the shield of faith, and to put 



their trust in the Lord, who is as near to his children to 



vrt. 



serve and defend them, as He ever was, though they may not 
perceive it ; but in his time, He will manifest Himself to their 
joy and consolation. I trust the power of Truth was felt to be 
in good measure over the meeting, and I came away in peace. 

Eleventh month 22d. Fervent desires have been almost un- 
remitting, that the Lord would not let me be overcome by any 
temptation which the evil one may present. I feel the neces- 
sity of watching over my thoughts and words, as well as actions, 
wherever I go ; in the street, in -the market-house, at the store, 
at home and in company, lest anything should slip from me that 
would injure au other, or wound my own soul. 

28th. For several days I have had ray mind turned towards 
Mansfield Meeting and Burlington Quarter, but labored under 
concern lest I should be mistaken. As the time drew near, I felt 
most easy to set off. On first-day, I attended Mansfield meet- 
ing, which was pretty large for the country. I was led to ad- 
dress the company, under feelings of affectionate solicitude for 
their present and everlasting welfare ; and to bend the knee in 
supplication to the Father of mercies, for the extendings of Di- 
vine help, to the livingly exercised among them. I hoped the 
feeling of the humbling power of Christ was spread over us. 

30th. Attended the Select Meeting at Burlington. 

Twelfth month 1st. Went to the Quarterly Meeting, under 
a sense of weakness, and with desire to be preserved in my 
place, not attempting to do anything without the Lord's bid- 
ding. 

I was led to declare, that whatever might be the difficulties 
we may have to contend with, if faithful to our Lord and Mas- 
ter, He will cast up a plain path before us, and strengthen us 
to renounce all that He calls us to part with, though as dear as 
a right hand or a right eye, and give us his peace ; and through 
perseverance, under the guidance of his Spirit, an establishment 
in Christ will be come to. He will give us power over all the 
power of the enemy, as He declared to his disciples; and as we 
were bought with a price,, even the precious- blood of Christ, aa 
42 



646 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1857. 

a lamb without blemish and without spot, we are to glorify 
God in our bodies and in our spirits, which are his. 

Throughout this little visit, I was favored with inward quiet 
and watchfulness before the Lord ; and in the retrospect, was 
clothed with peace. 

8th. My wife and I went to Westtown, and met Friends on 
the committee. 

9th. In the course of its deliberation, the disposition man- 
ifested by some of the scholars, to bring ana wear clothing 
at the school, which is not suitable, as regards plainness, engaged 
our consideration. It was manifest, that an unabated concern 
pervaded the committee, to maintain the testimonies of the Soci- 
ety, in conducting this seminary, according to their original stan- 
dard. The unity and solemnity that spread over us, were com- 
forting and strengthening. It has generally been the case that 
Friends have been bound together in sweet fellowship, in con- 
ducting the affairs of this institution, and in their interest for 
the best welfare of the children. 

13th. This morning we had quite a large meeting, which, 
through Divine goodness, was a favored, solemn time. The 
faithful occupancy of the gift bestowed upon each one, in whose 
heart, the preparing work of sanctification has been carried on, 
was held forth, as indispensable to a growth in the Divine life. 
"Feed the flock of G-od which is among you, taking the over- 
sight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy 
lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God's 
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the 
chief Shepherd shall appear, ye also shall receive a crown of 
glory that fadeth not away." 






1858.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 647 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

1857—1859. 
Religious Engagements at and about Home. 

1857, Twelfth month 20th. Very unexpectedly, this morn- 
ing, I felt a pointing to go and sit with the few Friends com- 
posing Newton Meeting. There was but little time to get ready, 
but I had the impression, that if it was the Lord's will for me to 
go, I should be there in time. The steamboat was just putting 
off as I came near the wharf, but they held on foi* me, and I 
reached the meeting-house in good time. It was mournful to 
see the reduced state of the meeting, and I was brought into 
sympathy with some, upon whom the weight of holding it 
mainly rested. The conviction came over me, that some were, 
at {imes, clearly convinced of the emptiness and insufficiency 
of worldly possessions, to give substantial peace ; and also of the 
calls of the Lord to come away from such enjoyments, and give 
themselves up to serve the Lord, who alone can grant peace, 
and make them fit to do his will ; and as lights in the world, to 
glorify Him in their day. They were spoken to in the persua- 
sive spirit of the gospel, to deny themselves, take up the cross 
and follow their dear Eedeemer. The burden-bearers were en- 
couraged to hold on their way faithfully in the discharge of 
their religious duties. Suj)plieation was made to the Lord to 
renew his visitations to the rebellious and negligent, and to 
comfort and strengthen those who are often cast down and af- 
flicted. 

1858, First month 30th. Was held the Select Quarterly Meet- 
ing ; in which some remarks were made on the need of a faithful 
observance of plainness of dress and manners, in the bringing 
up of our children. Harmony was felt to prevail. Still there 
was a feeling of suffering, on account of the working of a wrong 
spirit in the Society at large. 

Second month 1st. We had a large Quarterly Meeting ; many 
of our young members, and some Friends from the country 
being at it. Great stillness spread over us. Several ministers 
from the country attended; and in the second meeting com- 



648 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1858. 

municated their exercises on different subjects. I felt drawn to 
call the attention of the young people to the daily reading of 
the Holy Scriptures, in a serious manner, with their hearts 
lifted up to their Heavenly Father, to open and apply them to 
their conditions, by his Spirit in their hearts. The more we 
are obedient to this Spirit, by which the Lord's will is made 
known, and by which strength is given to perform it, the more 
we shall love to read the Scriptures ; which were given by in- 
spiration of God, and are able to make wise unto salvation, 
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit will 
bind us to make use of the means which the Lord has provided 
for our help in the way and work of salvation ; requiring the 
attendance of our meetings for worship and discipline, and the 
support of all our testimonies. 

The attendance of so many, I thought was evidence that they 
continued to feel a deep interest in the welfare of the Society, 
and the maintenance of its principles. 

Third month 19th. Was held our Meeting for Sufferings ; to 
which was offered, An Appeal to the citizens of the United 
States, on behalf of the colored people ; embracing the slave 
trade and slavery, by the committee which had been under ap- 
pointment several months, but had been detained from accom- 
plishing the object, by not receiving the African Eeports expect- 
ed from England. We were informed that they had arrived ; 
having been furnished by the officers having them in charge, 
without expense. The address was acceptable to the meeting, 
united with, and directed to be laid before the Yearly Meeting. 
I thought the testimony against slavery, being founded on the 
commands of our Saviour, as laid down in the Holy Scriptures, 
would have a good effect upon many Christians of other deno- 
minations. In the midst of so much attempted defence of 
slavery, by those who hold the colored people as property, it 
was felt to be our duty, afresh to let the public know, that we 
continue to reject and oppose human bondage on Scripture 
ground, and a conscientious belief that slavery is a violation of 
the rights of the African race; equally with the rest of man- 
kind, the objects of Divine mercy and regard, and entitled to 
freedom, and the exercise of their mental and physical powers. 

28th. In meeting, this morning, I felt an affectionate draft 
towards the young people ; that they might not give way to the 
temptation to abandon the path of obedience to their Lord, in 



1858.] 



JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 649 



the time of close trial. David's testimon y was brought to my 
remembrance: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; He leadeth me 
beside the still waters; He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me 
in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." "Surely 
mercy and goodness shall follow me all the days of my life ; and 
I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever ;" which I was 
led to revive for their comfort and strength. This has been the 
experience of the Lord's children in all ages; and as they per- 
severed in following their Shepherd, and the Bishop of their 
souls, faithfully and in humility, they grew from stature to sta- 
ture in the Truth ; were blessed from youth to old age, and 
made useful in his church and household; and when the end 
came, they died in peace and hope of everlasting blessedness. 

Fourth month 1st. This morning I went to the Arch Street 
Meeting, feeling, as I believed, the pointing of the Divine finger 
towards it, yet had some searching of heart to guard against 
being mistaken. After a time of silent waiting, I felt drawn 
to bear testimony to the peculiar characteristic of the gospel 
dispensation ; that every member of the body and church of 
Christ, has access to the living Spring of consolation and 
strength, in himself; and may realize the declaration of Christ, 
" The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of 
water, springing up into everlasting life ;" and thereby is fav- 
ored at times with rejoicing in himself and not in another. The 
servants of Christ have their trials and seasons of spiritual pov- 
erty, necessary for their humiliation, and to show them that 
they can do nothing without their Lord and Master; but He 
will never be unmindful of them; and in his time will again 
come, with healing in his wings; and they know Him by the 
quickening virtue of his power, when He does appear in them. 
The eminent servant and prophet of the living God declared, 
that " Although the fie; tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit 
be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields 
shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and 
there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the 
Lord ; I will joy in the God of my salvation." This rejoicing 
was by the immediate, tendering operation of the Holy Spirit in 
himself; and this rejoicing will continue to be the- experience 
of the Lord's children, as they abide in Christ, holding fast their 
confidence firm, by his holy help. 



650 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1858. 

8th. Was at Westtown, and found the school pretty satis- 
factory, as relates to the advance of the pupils in their studies. 
Changes are taking place in the home education of children ; the 
parents, in many cases, neither look nor act like true Friends, 
and their example must draw their children into much liberty, 
and turn them away from the humble, plain way of living 
and dressing, which they ought to observe. This defective 
home education prepares many children to disregard the regu- 
lations of this school, and the care and authority of the teachers, 
and must contribute to disqualify them for the steady pursuit 
of their studies. Thus the trouble of the caretakers is greatly 
increased, and the benefits are not fully derived from the insti- 
tution, which the provisions there made for a liberal and guarded 
♦education, would confer. The unsettled state of our Society, pro- 
duced by attempted changes in our religious doctrines and tes- 
timonies, and by the love and pursuit of the world, doubtless 
acts unfavorably upon many parents and their offspring; and 
which we cannot expect to see corrected, but by submission to 
the convicting power of the Lord's spirit, operating on the 
heart ; and the steady faithfulness of the conscientious and reli- 
giously-exercised members. Instead of looking abroad for de- 
fects in others, it is important we should keep inward to the 
Lord; setting a proper example; and as we maybe enabled, 
put up our prayers to Him for our own preservation ; and that 
He would turn the hearts of the people to Himself, and bring 
our religious Society out of its present wilderness state. 

14th. Our Yearly Meeting is near at hand. There seem 
to be comparatively few true standard-bearers and sympathiz- 
ers. Some speak of the discipline as being of little importance, 
when it conflicts with their disorganizing views, and thus are 
ready to set up their imaginations for revelation, and above the 
united judgment and wisdom dispensed to the church in its 
brighter days. It is not in man to control the winds and waves ; 
the Lord alone can rebuke them. May all our afflictions drive 
us nearer to Him, lead us to put up our prayers for his sustain- 
ing help, and to place our trust in his mercy and goodness. We 
can do nothing for ourselves or for others, without Him; and 
may He renew our faith, and never withdraw his Holy Spirit 
from us ; in unmerited loving kindness keep us together as a 
body, travailing in spirit for his cause, and the real welfare of 
each other. 



1858.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 651 

19th. The Yearly Meeting convened, and was a large body. 
It opened with solemnity. Samuel Bettle, Sr., called our atten- 
tion to the belief of Friends, that it was the Lord's work for 
which we were assembled ; and exhorted, to let it be done in 
his fear, with decency, forbearance, and love of each other. 
Though some objections were made, an epistle from Dublin, and 
a minute from London, informing they had not written an epis- 
tle to us, were read. In the afternoon, the representatives re- 
ported, that way did not open to propose any change of clerks, 
and they were accordingly continued. The minutes of the 
Meeting for Sufferings being read, the address to the citizens of 
the United States, on the colored races, embracing a strong 
testimony against slavery and the slave trade, was adopted, and 
the Meeting for Sufferings directed to have printed a sufficient 
number for circulation. 

While the state of the inferior meetings, as brought before 
the Yearly Meeting, by the answers to the Queries, in the dif- 
ferent reports, was under consideration, a good degree of solem- 
nity was over the meeting, and an interest manifested in 
the different subjects ; under which Friends spoke suitably to 
them. When the business was finished, and the minute of the 
exercise of the meeting was read, a deep silence followed, and 
expression of unity with it; when the meeting closed, under the 
covering of this solemnity. We have cause to return thanks to 
our Heavenly Father, for his unmerited condescension to us 
poor, unworthy creatures. 

Fifth month 6th. This being the time of Evesham Monthly 
Meeting, I attended it. I was engaged to warn Friends of the 
enemy's temptation, to induce the travailing seed, to let go their 
hope and belief that the Lord is near to support and preserve 
us ; and to persuade them that He is about to forsake and cast 
off this people ; by giving way to which, they would soon aban- 
don their exercise of spirit, for their own spiritual welfare, and 
for the cause' sake. The living members of the visible church 
have been enabled to feel and to mourn over the degeneracy 
which from time to time has crept in among its members. The 
prophet saw the state of the house of Israel, under the vision of 
a valley full of dry bones, and he said, "Can these dry bones 
live?" But when he prophesied at the Divine command, there 
followed a shaking, and bone came to its bone, sinews and flesh 
came upon them, and the breath of life was breathed into them, 



G52 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1858. 

and they became a living army. We ought to maintain the 
faith, that our Heavenly Father is as merciful and kind to the 
souls of the children of men, at this day, as He was to our fore- 
fathers; when He gathered them out of different denomina- 
tions, and made them a people to stand for his honor. He will 
assuredly visit the children, by his good Spirit ; and if they 
submit to his will and guidance, will also make them vessels for 
his use. 

20th. This morning, feeling an impression to go to the Arch 
Street Meeting, I gave up to it ; and after a time of silence, the 
efficacy and importance of knowing Divine love to pervade our 
hearts, by which only we can experience happiness in this 
life, and a hope of blessedness in that which is to come, impress- 
• ed my mind, and I rose with it. As proof of its abiding influ- 
ence in our hearts, our Saviour told his disciples, " If a man love 
me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and 
we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." 
Blessed experience ! to know the Lord to tabernacle with us, 
and to set up his kingdom in the heart. When this is the case, 
we cannot encourage feelings of enmity towards any, but will 
be led to desire the redemption of others from all evil, and to be 
brought into the same experience of Divine love with ourselves. 
<c God is love, and he that dwellethin love dwelleth in God and 
God in him." " Perfect love casteth out fear ; because fear hath 
torment.*' A violation of the Divine law produces fear of the 
presence of our Almighty Judge ; as Adam was afraid when he 
heard the Lord's voice in the garden, after having transgressed. 
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth;" conscious of his 
guilt, he is afraid, and suffereth torment. " But the righteous 
is bold as a lion;" not bold from reliance on natural energy of 
body or mind, but from conscious innocency ; perfect love of 
his Maker, and obedience to his will having banished all fear. 
If we look back to the beginning of the Lord's work in us, we 
may see how our hearts glowed with love to Him ; and in the 
heavenly enjoyment which He gave us, our desires extended to 
the whole human family, that all might be brought to partake 
of the Lord's goodness, as we then felt it. Surely no change 
has taken place in Him, or in the power and effects of his Spirit 
upon the heart; and if we have changed and lost those precious 
feelings, the cause is in and from ourselves. I expressed the 
desire for us all, that as we are drawing to our everlasting re- 



1858.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 653 

ward, we might know this love to increase towards all; that we 
might, as our first Friends did, realize the testimony of our 
Saviour, " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 
if ye have love one towards another." 

Sixth month 9th. Having been preparing to take up a sum- 
mer residence in Marple, my family moved out on the 7th. My 
wife's health having been for some time impaired, and the hot 
weather, and confinement in the city, increasing the symptoms 
of her disease, it was very desirable to try what the quiet of the 
country and a change of atmosphere would do, for her comfort 
and the improvement of her health. 

Seventh month 28th. I am convinced, that the vast business 
into which some enter, is a great departure from the humility 
and self-denial which become a christian ; and the disposi- 
tion to overlook this departure, and frame excuses for it, is an 
evidence that the conscientious obligation, w T hich Friends in 
the beginning, felt and acted up to, has been much lost among 
many business men. But I trust the Lord will preserve faith- 
ful Friends, and raise up among the young people, those who 
will be brought, by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, to 
keep in moderation, in their trade or business ; and therein 
show the excellency of the religion of the Lord Jesus, and that 
their eyes are directed to a heavenly inheritance, above every- 
thing in this state of being. How has the desire after riches 
drawn hundreds away from the work of salvation, and a steady 
walking with God. In this way the glory has departed from 
many, and the strength and ancient dignity of our religious 
Society become greatly eclipsed. 

31st. "Was held our Select Quarterly Meeting, which was 
small; but I felt constrained to encourage Friends in the dis- 
charge of all their religious duties, looking to the Lord for his 
blessing to rest upon us. 

Eighth month 1st. I went to G-ermantown Meeting, sensible 
of poverty and weakness. After a time of silent waiting, the 
Lord opened the way to invite the people to come to Christ ; 
w T ho when in the prepared body, invited those who labored and 
were heavy laden, to come unto Him, take his yoke upon 
them, and learn of Him, and they should find rest to their souls. 
He alone can grant a sight of our sinful condition, give repen- 
tance, and bring man back into the image of God, which was 
lost by transgression. It was a season of unusual openness 



654 J0TJK.VAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1858. 

and freedom in preaching the gospel of life and salvation, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, both with reference to his 
coming and suffer ing in the flesh, and now in his spiritual ap- 
pearance in the heart, to regenerate and sanctify it, and set up 
his holy kingdom, in place of the kingdom of Satan. Much 
solemnity spread over us, and there were those thankful for 
the favor conferred on us by the Lord, at this time. 

10th. In the Quarterly Meeting held at Concord, this morn- 
ing, I felt much for the young people, who had given up to 
serve the Lord, yet were buffeted by the temptations of Satan,- 
and the floods of discouragement which the dragon was casting 
out of his mouth, if possible to destroy the true seed ; and I 
was led to counsel them to gather inward to the Lord, and He 
would lift up a standard against the enemy, defend and deliver 
them. It is through tribulation the righteous enter the kingdom 
in this life, and in the world to come. The Lord on high is 
mightier than the noise of many waters ; and we have a High 
Priest touched with a feeling of our infirmities, who knoweth 
that without Him we can do nothing. He constantly watches 
over his devoted children; and though at times He hideth his face 
from them, yet with everlasting kindness and compassion will He 
have mercy upon them. There is no new way to the kingdom, 
nor any new doctrine to be preached. It is the same strait gate 
and narrow way which our fathers entered and walked in ; who 
have been gathered among the spirits of the just made perfect. 
As we are faithful in a little, we shall be made rulers over more, 
and by the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, be prepared like 
the wheat, to be gathered into the garner, where none can hurt 
or annoy us. 

Ninth month 13th. We have been at Marple three months ; 
most of which time we have attended the meeting here with 
satisfaction ; a number not members generally coming on first- 
day, so that the meeting has been larger than is common. 
There seems to be a temporary stir on the subject of religion 
among other people in several places, both in England and in 
this land ; and if the Lord sees fit to work by his own invisible 
power on their hearts, He may also make way for his servants to 
labor with some effect, to gather in various neighborhoods, those 
who have been very indifferent to their soul's salvation. It 
would be a great comfort to see young and old bending to the 
yoke of Christ, and be thereby preparing to join the Lamb's 



1358.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 655 

army, in spreading his kingdom in the earth. Helpers may 
thus be raised up in our Society, to maintain its principles and 
order, and to fill the places of those who have fallen away from 
the Truth, or have been removed from works to rewards. 

30th. After spending about four months at Marple, very 
agreeably, we returned to the city, and soon felt ourselves very 
comfortable under our own roof; having cause to thank our 
heavenly Father for the many blessings He has granted us, both 
in renewing our health, and giving us to enjoy other temporal 
and spiritual gifts. May we, through his pardoning mercy in 
Christ Jesus our Saviour, and the continued influences of his 
Holy Spirit, be more and more sanctified, and made devoted to 
his service, that our salvation may be wrought out with fear and 
trembling ; that our lives may be to his glory, and when the end 
comes, we may, through his unmerited mercy, be admitted among 
the blessed in the realms of eternal ligh f t, peace and joy unspeak- 
able, and full of glory. 

Eleventh month 14th. At our first-day morning meeting, un- 
der a view of the uncertainty of life, and the great importance of 
being prepared to meet death, I felt constrained to revive the 
language of the prophet, "The voice said, Cry. And he said, what 
shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as 
the flower of the field ;" " The grass withereth, the flower fadeth ; 
but the word of our God shall stand forever;" and to impress 
upon all the danger of living at ease and in indifference, in our 
outward comforts ; putting off the work of salvation, and being 
thoughtless of the certainty of death, which may be nearer than 
we imagine ; when wealth, worldly honor and friends, cannot 
defend us from its stroke. 

Twelfth month 12th. In our first-day morning meeting, my 
mind was clothed with strong desire, that the true spiritual nature 
and power of the gospel dispensation, might be more generally 
and deeply felt among us; bringing all into a fervent travail of 
soul, to experience the work of regeneration, and more intimate 
communion with the Father of spirits, than is known by the 
professors of the christian name generally. It is said, "Jesus 
stood and cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and 
drink ;" and on another occasion, He said, " Whosoever drinketh 
of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst;" that is, 
for any other; "But the water that I shall give him, shall be in 
him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life ;" and out 



656 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. ["1858. 

of the believer in Him, He declared, " Shall flow rivers of living 
water. ' He spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe in 
Him, should receive, after his glorification. And the same 
disciple that recorded these sayings of his Divine Master, fur- 
ther testifies in the Eevelations made to him, "And the Spirit 
and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth, say, Come. 
And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let 
him take the water of life freely." I was drawn to show that 
we are not dependent on man, to obtain the life and spirit, 
which alone can nourish the soul unto everlasting life ; but that 
it is through the mercy and goodness of the Saviour, the Medi- 
ator between our Heavenly Father and our immortal souls, that 
a measure of his Holy Spirit is granted unto us; by obedience 
to which, the work of regeneration is effected in us, and the 
soul thereby renewed up into the image of God, which Adam 
lost by transgression. Thus we are truly brought into the gos- 
pel dispensation ; which is a dispensation of life, and spirit and 
power; for Christ came, that his "Sheep might have life, and 
that they might have it more abundantly." Hereby we are 
made members of his mystical body, the church ; and as we 
keep our places, will be ministers of righteousness and of the 
Spirit. It appeared to me very important that all should thus 
become worshippers of the Father in spirit and in truth ; and 
though it might be in silence, we would, at times, experience 
mental prayer and praise, like a cloud of incense, to rise from 
our assemblies before the throne, which would find acceptance 
with Him. 

17th. In our Meeting for Sufferings held to-day, after a be- 
loved Friend had expressed a desire, that Friends might become 
a more united body, supporting our principles and testimonies, 
and keeping in their tents like Israel of old ; where, it was said, 
no divination or enchantment can prevail against them ; I felt 
constrained to add my desire, that we might, individually, more 
fully experience a participation of the Divine, inward life, for 
which our Saviour came, that his sheep might abundantly par- 
take of it. In this, we should know the unity of the Spirit, in 
the bond of peace, and resist all attempted innovations upon our 
doctrines and testimonies. Our ancient Friends were raised up 
to call the people to the inward participation of the life and 
power of godliness ; but it is to be feared, that many among us 



1859.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 657 

have fallen short of this ; which is the reason they have let 
those testimonies fall from their hands. 

By a letter received from a Friend in Ireland, I understand 
there is a probability of London Yearly Meeting so altering its 
discipline, as to allow of members marrying those not in mem- 
bership ; and doing away the Query respecting plainness of 
speech, behavior and apparel. The prospect for our Society, 
should these changes take place, looks gloomy and discouraging ; 
yet I hope there will be many, who will be stirred up and 
strengthened to stand firmly, in the meekness and constancy of 
true wisdom, in the defence and maintenance of all our testi- 
monies, as required of our forefathers, to hold up to the world. 
But it would seem that our trials and sufferings are increasing, 
rather than diminishing. 

1859, First month 9th. First-day, we had a favored meeting 
this morning. It was a solemn time, for which we must account. 
The administration of poverty and humiliation were the whole- 
some food dispensed to me. It is a great favor to be emptied 
of self, and renewedly brought to a sense of our nothingness. 
There is preservation in it. 

16th. AVe had a pretty large meeting this morning, first- 
day ; in which it felt to me, there were strangers seeking some- 
thing On which they might rest their tossed minds. From these 
feelings, I thought the Lord was bringing some sinful persons 
under conviction and remorse for their transgressions, and if 
they would yield to the administration of condemnation, He 
would prepare them for the gifts of repentance and forgiveness 
of sin ; and by the washing of regeneration and the renewing 
of the Holy G-host, sanctify and make them fit temples for Him, 
by his Spirit, to dwell in. I felt impelled to address such a 
state, and to labor to persuade them to stand still and wait for 
the salvation of God. Kot to look abroad for anything to 
satisfy the mind, or which would stifle conviction, or act as a 
substitute for true settlement on the right foundation. But to 
keep inward, under the operation of the Lord's mighty hand; 
turning their back on temptation, and following Christ in the 
path of holiness; who would give peace to the troubled spirit, 
and establish them upon Himself, the Rock ; against which the 
gates of hell shall never prevail. He will never permit the 
powers of darkness to overcome his children, if they look daily 



658 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 



[1859. 



unto Him for preservation, putting up their prayers to Him, 
morning by morning. 

It seemed to me that the Shepherd of Israel was still round 
about us, offering his love and mercy ; and were He received 
into the heart and obeyed, He would gather many to his fold, 
and show others that He had not forsaken us as a people. 
Through the power of his Spirit we should be instrumental in 
turning many to righteousness, showing forth his praise. 

23d. Apprehending it to be a pointing of duty, I went over 
to Newton Meeting, being first-day. The company assembled 
was small. I felt unfit for public service ; but in a feeling of 
great un worthiness, I was quickened by the revival of the Mas- 
ter's language to his disciples, " What I say unto you, I say unto 
all, Watch;" "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." 
I was much humbled, and thereby in a better condition to com- 
municate what opened on my mind ; under a clothing of charity, 
and sympathy with the little remnant ; some of whom appeared 
to me to feel their weakness and stripped state ; neither fathers 
nor mothers in religious experience and weight among them. 
Afterwards I was bowed in supplication, that merciful help might 
be bestowed on all of us. 

Second month 20th. Deep inward trials have much attended 
me for weeks past, under which strong cries have been- put up 
to the Lord for preservation. I believe my mental breathings 
to the Father of mercies have been heard, and though at times 
surrounded by clouds, a ray of light would break through, and 
tenderness of spirit before the Lord would be felt, creating feel- 
ings of gratitude ; and thanksgiving to Him for his mercy, would 
overflow my heart. These dispensations, I believe, are designed 
for my humiliation, to bring me back to my horn book, as dear 
William Savery said on his death- bed ; which saying, I had re- 
vived in our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held 
the forepart of this month. May the Lord make me more and 
more willing to submit to, and abide under all his baptisms, to 
reduce and keep me in the state of a little child; constantly 
looking to Him for preservation, and for daily bread ; and that 
his Holy Spirit may keep me from being caught by any snare 
of the cruel enemy. 

On the 16th, I attended Salem Quarterly Meeting. At the 
reading of the answers to the Queries, the awfulness of a parent, 
at the approach of death, seeing that he had neglected the re- 



1859.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 659 

ligious care and restraint of his children, and had by his own 
example, led them into the world, instead of bringing them to 
Christ, came over me in so serious a manner, that I was led to 
open and press the consideration of it upon some present. The 
preservation and right training of children often greatly de- 
pend on the religious example of their parents ; and not only 
their benefit, but the clearness of the parents from condemna- 
tion, at that awful hour, and the belief they had done what they 
could, must be of unspeakable importance. 

Third month 27th. The Lord can raise up his servants, and' 
give them power to preach his word, over all the opposing 
powers of darkness, and the secret resistance that others may 
cherish, who feel coldness and indifference towards them. True 
ministers of the gospel have nothing in view, but to comply 
with the Lord's will, that they may be found clear in the day 
of account. The spirit of opposition to such is felt at times in 
meetings, and may be permitted to close up the way for gospel 
service; but they who indulge it will bring flatness over them- 
selves, and have to suffer for their wrong opposition to the 
Lord's children and servants. How different is the state of 
meetings, where brethren and sisters draw near to one another 
in heart and spirit, like holding up each other's hands, travail- 
ing together for the arising of Divine life, and rejoicing when 
the Lord opens the way for the current of true baptizing min- 
istry to flow freely. Elders are appointed to watch over the 
ministry, to guard and counsel ministers, when needed; if they 
have left the gift, or said anything not according to sound doc- 
trine ; but this is not all their duty. They have as much need 
as any others, to watch over themselves, that they may know 
what spirit rules and actuates them ; and they are to give them- 
selves up to sympathize with the ministers, and to share in 
bearing the burdens which they are brought under ; by w 7 hich 
they may be preserved from judging in their own will and tem- 
per, and may be made instrumental to help them, and by a har- 
monious labor and travail of soul, assist in brino-ino; to the birth 
the concerns which ministers are brought under. Hereby they 
are fellow-helpers in the Lord ; and when ministers are raised 
up by their Divine Master in his authority, then a harmonious 
exercise is again known in the preaching of the gospel, the great 
Name is exalted, and the baptizing power goes over the meet- 
ing. Ministers and elders thus fulfil their respective services, 



660 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1859. 

and contribute to each other's growth and establishment in the 
blessed Truth. The one preaching what the Holy Spirit opens 
to them, and the other keeping close to them in spirit, to aid 
and steady them in their work, that they may not give out, nor 
deviate from the line of service appointed them by the Great 
Minister of the Sanctuary. 

Fourth month. Heaviness of spirit has been my portion at 
times, on account of our poor Society. There seems little to 
inspire with hope, that it will soon rise out of its depressed con- 
dition. Yet, evidence is granted from time to time, that the ever- 
lasting Arm is underneath, and that the Lord sustains and pre- 
serves his afflicted children. I have passed through low places, 
but have been kept from casting away my confidence, having in 
mercy had it renewed. 

18th. Commenced the Yearly Meeting for business. 

The Meeting for Sufferings having prepared an enlarged edi- 
tion of the Book of Advices, first issued about fifty years since, 
the Yearly Meeting directed it to be distributed by the Monthly 
Meetings among their members ; which. I hope will be useful, 
in reviving and seriously impressing on their minds the import- 
ance of our christian testimonies. The consideration of the 
state of the subordinate meetings, on reading the Queries and 
the replies, was solidly gone through, without much remark 
being made. 

On fifth-day afternoon, after the consideration of the use of 
spirituous liquors by the members, and the school education of 
the children belonging to the meeting, the minute on the state 
of things among us, as exhibited by the replies to the Queries, 
was read; and after sitting some time in much quiet and solem- 
nity, the meeting concluded. We have cause for much thank- 
fulness, that the meeting was favored with the degree of unity 
and solid weight that prevailed. 

Fifth month 18th. I am afraid there is a disposition in some, 
to speak highly of a belief in the sufferings of our blessed Saviour, 
without inculcating submission to his crucifying power inwardly 
revealed ; the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. It is by the 
latter, that the chaff is burnt up, every defilement is removed, and 
we are prepared to receive the fulness of the blessings of the gos- 
pel of Christ, and the benefits of his sufferings and death. The 
gift of grace comes by Him, by which we are made new crea- 
tures j for if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old 



1859.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 661 

things are done away, and all things are become new, and all 
things of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus 
Christ. 

Sixth month 17th. Was held our Meeting for Sufferings ; in 
which was mentioned the circumstance, of some young mem- 
bers having inadvertently paid their militia fines, connected 
as it had been, with the personal tax, without being specified. 
The meeting made a short minute to incite Friends to a faithful 
support of our testimony against wars and fightings, and to put 
them on their guard against paying such fine. 

23d. A war having broken out in Europe, between the 
French and Austrians, occasioning great destruction of life ; it 
produces mournful feelings, on account of the slaughter of human 
beings, having immortal souls to be saved or lost; and for the 
unenlightened condition of those engaged in it. To me it is in- 
conceivable, how man can be so lost to the common feelings of 
humanity, and the awfulness of rushing souls into eternity, as 
to destroy wantonly, without any fear of Divine vengeance, his 
fellow man ; especially, when we remember the declaration of the 
apostle, "Ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding 
in him." "What an unchristian spirit must he have, who can 
urge men under his command, to fire into an army, probably 
striking down thousands, or placing his army in the position of 
being destroyed in the same way by their opponents. What 
account can such commanders, and their military subordinates, 
give to the Almighty Creator of us all, for the dreadful carnage, 
by which suddenly and barbarously, thousands of their fellow 
creatures are deprived of life; over whose existence they have 
no right of control. How needful for christians to walk hum- 
bly before the Lord, asking of Him, strength and wisdom to do 
his will, and to show forth to those around them, the fruits of 
his Holy Spirit, that the kingdom of Christ, the Prince of 
Peace, may be spread in the earth, by their obedience to Him. 

25th. Went to the Arch Street Meeting this morning, under 
feelings of sympathy with Friends there, now much reduced in 
number. The fear of putting forth a hand unbidden w^as felt, 
and I strove to keep inward before the Lord, waiting to see 
what He would do; until the intimation to rise impelled me to 
stand up, and to say to the fearful ones, that whatever might 
be our fears and apprehensions of danger to ourselves, or to the 
church and cause of Christ, the foundation of Cod standeth sure, 
43 



662 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1859. 

having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. He 
knows their afflictions, and if they wait upon Him, He will keep 
them in the hollow of his Omnipotent hand. He has always 
regarded the fears of his trembling children, and to his imme- 
diate followers, Christ said, " Fear not little flock, it is your 
Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Friends were 
encouraged to wait upon the Lord, and put their trust in Him. 

28th. Went to the North Meeting this morning, having had, 
the preceding day, a pointing to go there, which was revived 
this morning. I desired to obey it in simplicity, yet to be pre- 
served from making any mistake. The importance of daily 
learning the lesson of dwelling in our own hearts with Christ 
the Seed, that we may be taught of Him, who declared Himself 
to be meek and lowly of heart, was brought before me, and 
opened to the meeting. It is only while we are thus kept with 
Him, that we can sympathize with others, and travail with the 
Seed for its arising into dominion; and being made sensible of 
our own frailties, and the meekness and gentleness of Christ 
abounding in us, the rough Esau nature will be more and more 
subdued, and the peace of God, which is substantial happiness, 
will be enjoyed in ourselves, and with those of like experience, 
in whose society we mingle. We shall be in a state to receive 
warning of any temptation that awaits us, and immediately to 
put up our prayers for preservation, looking to the blessed 
Saviour for his aid; and He will deliver us. What harmony 
and sweet enjoyment prevail among the people, who are brought 
into such a case! 

Eighth month 7th. At our first-day meeting, the way open- 
ed to hold up the great importance of doing our duty while the 
day lasts, both for our own sake and that of others ; for we know 
not how short the time may be that will be allotted us to do the 
Lord's work in ; and through his mercy to repent of and forsake 
our sins and transgressions, that we may obtain forgiveness, 
through the propitiatory suffering of the Saviour, and come to 
know our salvation wrought out by Him.. 

Ninth month 4th. Attended the first-day meeting at Ger- 
mantown, which was quite large. After a time of silent wait- 
ing, I was enabled to bear testimony to Christ, who was given 
for God's salvation to the end of the earth ; whom " God hath 
highly exalted and given Him a name, that is above every 
name; that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of 



1859.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 663 

things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the 
earth; and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is 
Lord, to the glory of God the Father." However his children 
may be tried, and at times cast down, surrounded by many fears, 
He will be near to support them, and make the humiliating dis- 
pensations which they endure, a blessing. I believed there 
were those for whom my desire was, that they would not let go 
their hope and confidence in Him, who is emphatically called 
the Captain of salvation ; who would fight all their battles for 
them, and carry them through to the end. He declared that 
on Himself, the Eock, He would build his church, and the gates 
of hell shall not prevail against it. 

11th. During the meeting, this morning, my mind was much 
occupied with the consideration of the evil heart of unbelief in 
those who are departing from the living God, and violating his 
law made known to them. The enemy presents his temptations 
to induce them to gratify the carnal appetite, and persuades 
them it will confer happiness ; and there will be no danger of 
Divine judgment falling upon them. But our Saviour pronounced 
him a liar and the father of lies ; for there is no truth in him. 
We sat a long time in silence, during which some strangers 
came in. I was afraid to leave the meeting, without rising to 
open the subjects that had been resting on my mind, and to hold 
up the continued mercy of Almighty God, in following rebel- 
lious man, and bringing him under compunction for sin and 
transgression. 

15th. We had little business to occupy our attention at our 
Meeting for Sufferings to-day. When it was finished, the clerk 
made some observations upon the necessity of every one coming 
more under a travail of spirit for his own sake, and for the cause 
of Christ. Much had been rightly said, about doctrines, but he 
believed that more of the life was needed ; and it was only as 
Friends are brought individually to partake of it, that the So- 
ciety would be restored to its former condition. S. C. spoke 
after him, expressing that the design of our Society being raised 
up, was to promote the gospel of the grace of God ; and its work 
in the hearts of the people; corresponding with what had been 
already expressed. 

I adverted to the coming of Friends from England to Penn- 
sylvania and New Jersey, in the early settlement of this coun- 
try, with the view of settling where they could hold and spread 



664 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1859. 

their religious principles and testimonies, out of the way of per- 
secution ; and that Philadelphia Yearly Meeting had always 
supported those principles and testimonies. I desired that we 
should firmly hold to our ancient doctrines and testimonies, 
under the guidance of the Head of the church, whatever efforts 
others might make to introduce changes. As we keep to our 
individual exercise, to know the life of the great Head to pre- 
vail, we shall be more and more united to one another, and still 
be examples for others to look to and follow. We sat for a 
time, under feelings of solemnity and tender fellowship j when 
David Cope said, he believed he would not be easy to leave the 
meeting, without saying, he united with what had been said, 
and added the expression of some similar sentiments. 

Friends parted under feelings of unity ; one remarking to me, 
before he left his seat, that he had not known what the meeting 
would find to do, but he loved to have such feelings as he then 
experienced ; and many others spoke of it as a good meeting. 



CHAPTEE XXXIII. 

1859—1862. 

Eeligious Engagements at and about Home. 

1859, Tenth month 5th. This day completes my seventy-se- 
cond year. Seldom since the work of religion was begun in 
me, have I experienced more humbling dispensations than for 
several weeks past. My soul has been, as it were, poured out 
before the Lord, day and night, beseeching Him that He would 
defend me against temptation, and bring me down into low 
places ; that every impurity may be removed, and every chaffy 
thing in me may be burned up with unquenchable fire. My 
secret cries have been unto Him, that whatever He may see 
necessary, may be administered, to keep me from falling, or 
bringing any reproach upon the blessed cause of truth and 
righteousness, of which I have made profession, and testified be- 



1859.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EYANS. 665 

fore many witnesses. I have thought there was evidence that 
the Lord's watchful care and mercy were over me ; and hope and 
trust have been at times felt, that his everlasting arm. though 
invisible, is underneath; supporting and defending a poor crea- 
ture, who is unworthy of the least of all his favors ; that I shall 
be preserved again to behold the light of his glorious counten- 
ance, and be authorized to declare to others of what He has 
done and will do for those who call upon Him in sincerity and 
truth, and wait for the renewing of that life which is hid with 
Christ in God. 

In the afternoon of first-day, the 6th, I was very unexpect- 
edly raised up to bear testimony, to the essential necessity of 
coming to the inward, living and saving knowledge of God, and 
of his dear Son Jesus Christ. The possession of the Holy Scrip- 
tures is an unspeakable favor, especially to the soul that is obe- 
dient to the manifestations of the Holy Spirit ; and we may see 
that their testimony points to the inward work, and the indwell- 
ing of God with man by his Spirit. "If any man love me," 
said Christ, "he will keep my words, and my Father will love 
him. and we will come unto him, and make our abode with 
him." Again, on another occasion, He said to his disciples, " I 
am the Vine, ye are the branches;" "As the branch cannot 
bear fruit, except it abide in the Vine, no more can ye, except 
ye abide in me." Only as we experience the cleansing opera- 
tion of the Word, that is quick and powerful, can we become 
living branches of the true Yine, and members of the church of 
which Christ is the adorable Head, and know the work of rege- 
neration perfected in us. In this way we come to the true and 
saving knowledge of God and of Christ; and persevering in 
faith and obedience, witness an establishment in the Truth, and 
the Lord Jesus to be the Author and the Finisher of our faith; 
fitting the soul for an admittance into one of the mansions which 
He prepares for his devoted, faithful children, in his Father's 
house. 

Eleventh month. Our Select Quarterly Meeting, held on the 
5th. was attended with religious exercise for our own preserva- 
tion out of all snares, and that we might be kept inward to the 
Lord ; waiting steadfastly for his putting forth in the service to 
which He would appoint us ; that nothing that man can do in 
his own will, might be substituted for it. 

29th. I was at the North Meeting ; in which ability was re- 



066 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1860. 

newed to preach the gospel. A warning was given against a 
worldly spirit; that instead of being faithful stewards of the 
means entrusted to them, some may be refraining to dispense 
for the benefit of others, that portion which their Lord would 
require them to give, in supplying their needs. Some are in- 
dulging in luxurious living, and in costly furniture of their 
houses. Our Saviour and his disciples set the example of using 
simple fare, and possessing little earthly treasure. Inasmuch 
as we brought nothing into this world, and could carry nothing 
out, it was our duty to be faithful in the proper use of what we 
held in trust. My mind was clothed with love towards all, and 
sincerely desired we might experience a united travail for the 
advancement of the cause of Christ, and for one another's good. 

Twelfth month 31st. For about a week, I have been affected 
with dizziness, to a greater degree than ever before. The un- 
certainty of what serious consequences might follow, at this 
period of life, has brought over me feelings of solemnity, in the 
thought that the end may come suddenly, and how soon, I could 
not foresee. It induces self-examination ; and the need to be pre- 
pared for that awful event, has dwelt impressively on my mind. 
Feelings of resignation to the Divine will, have been experi- 
enced, in the hope that mercy and goodness will attend me; 
and that when the close comes, there will be a blessed hope of 
entering into rest, and knowing all my sins to have been for- 
given, and washed away by the blood of the Lamb ; who died 
for our sins, and rose again for our justification. 

1860, First month 11th. My appearances in the ministry are 
not frequent, being mostly silent, in our religious meetings ; 
often fearing whether we are sufficiently favored in them, with 
a living travail of spirit for ability to worship the Father ac- 
ceptably, and knowing our Divine Master to be in the midst. 
I have been afraid, on my own account, and for some others, 
whether the world is properly kept out; and a sufficient exer- 
cise steadily maintained, to draw near to the Lord, so as to feel 
a true, harmonious labor to perform spiritual worship, and to 
strengthen one another to discharge our respective duties. But 
the Lord is merciful to us poor, unworthy creatures, and is still 
opening, at times, the spring of gospel ministry. To-day, the 
deep and weighty testimony of the apostle, with which he com- 
mences his epistle to the Hebrews, setting forth the Godhead of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the worlds were made ; his 



I860.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 667 

purging our sins, and his glorification at the right hand of the 
Father, opened very impressively upon my mind ; but which, 
from its awfulness, I felt afraid to communicate. After a time, 
however, I was most easy to submit to the impression ; desiring 
to deliver, in childlike simplicity, what would be gradually 
opened to me, without any embellishment or human devising. 
I believe the Lord helped me, and a measure of his baptizing 
power was spread over the meeting; and when it was through, 
I breathed for preservation, in a solemn frame of mind. 

28th. For many weeks our country has been kept in agita- 
tion by threats of the Southern members in Congress, to break 
up the Union, and their intention to set up a distinct govern- 
ment, composed of the Slave States. Political disputation, and 
bitter charges against one another, have not only hindered the 
choice of a Speaker in the House of Kepresentatives, but they 
have brought great distress on the minds of many persons in 
all the States. All slaveholders are not favorable to a dissolu- 
tion of the federal compact; and iu the Southern as well as in 
the Northern States, serious apprehensions must be entertained 
respecting such an event, and of the dreadful consequences that 
would attend it, accompanied by convulsions, and probable 
bloodshed, should the tie that has bound the States together, be 
dissevered, and every State left to its own course. The hearts 
of men are in the hands of the great Arbiter of nations, and 
He only can restrain the wrath of man, and keep wicked men 
from breaking down the government. But all kinds of abomi- 
nations have gone over the land; in the Free States, and among 
slaves and their masters. Nothing but unmerited mercy can 
withhold the indignation due to our sins, and prevent unprin- 
cipled men from laying the country waste. It is hoped that 
time, and the cool arguments of some influential men, are work- 
ing changes in the wishes of inconsiderate, headstrong dema- 
gogues, and that they will be brought to the exercise of their 
sober senses, so as to abandon their wicked projects. The re- 
turn of harmony, and the prevalence of peace, will be an unspeak- 
able blessing. 

Second month 4th. Our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders was small, several members being away from indisposi- 
tion. There was an exercise in the meeting, and communica- 
tions were made in support of our testimony to a living gospel 
ministry, and the worship which is in spirit and in truth. 



668 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1860. 

6th. Bat little was said in the ministry at the Quarterly 
Meeting for discipline. We got through with the Queries satis- 
factorily. 

15th. Snow fell; but feeling an affectionate and sympathetic 
draft to the Friends of Salem Quarterly Meeting, I went to 
Woodbury, this morning. In their little Select Meeting, the 
spirit of tender feeling went forth for the consolation of the few 
tribulated companions of their Lord and Master. 

In the meeting for worship, preceding that for business, I felt 
impressed to revive the language of our Saviour, "I am the 
way, the truth, and the life ; no man cometh unto the Father 
but by me;" also, "No man knoweth the Son but the Father; 
neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son, and he to 
whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." Showing that it is by 
the revelation of Christ by his Spirit in the heart of man, that 
the saving knowledge of God and of his beloved Son, is commu- 
nicated and received. There it is He shows man his condition ; 
what the Divine will concerning him is ; and as He is received, 
He gives power to come out of all evil, and to do his will, in 
following Him in all his requirings. In this way Christ be- 
comes man's Saviour and Sanctifier, and leads him along, step by 
step, in the way of salvation ; opening to him those things that 
belong to his peace, building him up, and establishing him as a 
member of his church, upon the immutable foundation, which is 
Himself. Thus he is made a partaker of the mercy of God, and 
the faith of which Christ is the Author. 

The business of the Quarterly Meeting was conducted with 
religious weight; and, I hoped, to the strength and encourage- 
ment of Friends. Returned home with feelings of peace, and 
hoping for preservation out of all evil. 

In the latter part of this month, I made a visit to our Spring- 
field brothers and sisters ; attended their meeting on first-day, 
and their Monthly Meeting on second-day; in both of which I 
had some service in the ministry of the gospel ; endeavoring to 
strengthen all classes, to greater faithfulness in performing their 
religious duties, that the world may be kept under foot, and by 
laboring in the Lord's vineyard, fruit may be gathered unto life 
eternal. 

Third month 8th. I went to the Arch Street Meeting, and 
was engaged in holding up the favor of having a High Priest 
that is touched with a feeling of our infirmities, and was tempt- 



I860.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 669 

ed in all points like unto us, yet without sin ; one who is able 
to succor them that are tempted, and who come unto God by 
Him. The more we have partaken of his love and forgiveness, 
the more we shall feel for others, and at seasons desire their 
forgiveness, and participation of the same love and mercy of 
God, in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. The meeting was 
still and solemn. 

At my own meeting I have been much shut up. The with- 
drawing of the sensible flow of Divine life, is doubtless for 
our good, and to show us that we have no power to command 
rain from heaven ; and that the people are to be turned to the 
Fountain of living water in themselves, for refreshment and 
strength. We all have need to desire to be searched by the 
Holy Spirit, that Satan may not be permitted to deceive us in 
relation to our own state ; but through the continued mercy and 
condescension of the Lord our God, we may be bowed in fear 
and reverence before Him ; and daily put up our prayers for 
help to fight the good fight of faith; that we may know Satan 
to be put down and trodden under foot. 

12th. Feeling a draft in my mind to attend Haddonfield 
Quarterly Meeting, I crossed the river this morning. The Se- 
lect Quarter was small, only five men and perhaps eight or nine 
women of their own members, were present. 

15th. The meeting held this morning was, I think, unusually 
large, man}' young people attending and sitting in a solid man- 
ner. I felt drawn to speak of the different periods of life, — 
youth and old age, — and the unspeakable comfort and peace of 
being able to look to the close, with humble trust of being ad- 
mitted into the everlasting kingdom of the Eedeemer. To be 
thus favored, it is important to lay the foundation in early life ; 
and the visitations of the Holy Spirit are extended to young 
people, even when they have few opportunities of receiving in- 
struction from mingling with religious friends. The Lord con- 
descends to commune with them, and to show them his blessed 
will, in relation to those things which are wrong, and his con- 
troversy is with. If they obey, He gives power to resist temp- 
tations, and turn the back upon them, and thus prepares them 
to perform his will. 

It seemed to me, the Lord was regarding our present low 
state, and would visit sons and daughters, and bring them out, 
to exalt and honor his name and cause ; and raise us up as out 



670 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1860. 

of the miry clay, and make his glory to shine among us, as in 
days of old, as in former generations. 

16th. "Was held our Meeting for Sufferings ; which united 
with a concise declaration of the rise and faith of our Society, 
designed for insertion in the American Encyclopedia, printing 
in New York. Also, a minute, setting forth our disunity with 
all wars, fightings and bloodshed ; the use of violent means to 
obtain the freedom of the slaves, or for putting down or setting 
up governments ; and also with certain letters and paragraphs, 
inserted in some newspapers, which are opposed to our princi- 
ples on these points, and which essays were written in the style 
of Friends ; all which we deny. The minute was directed to be 
printed and circulated. 

Fourth month 8th. The anticipation of our approaching 
Yearly Meeting, has been, at times, attended with feelings of 
much concern. There has been a great stripping of members 
of enlarged experience, and understanding in the management 
of the affairs of the church, under the direction of the great 
Head. There is a spirit seeking to lay waste Friends, who can- 
not unite with new principles and practices, or a dividing, scat- 
tering disposition. Yet I believe the Lord has not forgotten 
to be gracious, but as we are brought low, and keep sensible that 
we can do nothing without Him, He helps us, and gives a little 
renewal of our faith. 

This morning, in our meeting, the Master was pleased, by his 
quickening power, to renew my faith, and to raise me up to set 
forth the doctrine of his immediate guidance, protection, and re- 
generating work by his Holy Spirit; both to reprove the world 
of sin, of righteousness and judgment; and as it is submitted to, 
its leading into all truths, its taking of his mysteries and showing 
them to his obedient children, and bringing all things to remem- 
brance, whatsoever He has said unto us. Our Saviour said, 
" If ye being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, 
how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy 
Spirit to them that ask Him." I felt particularly for our dear 
young Friends, desiring that the things of the world may not 
be permitted to separate them from the love of God in Christ 
Jesus; but that they may steadily take up the cross, deny 
themselves, and follow Christ in the way He would lead them. 
The renewed evidence that the Lord's mercy and goodness are 
not withdrawn, comforted and cheered my mind, and lifted up 



I860.] JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. 671 

my head, in holy hope and trust, that He would continue to help 
in every time of need. 

13th. Our Meeting for Sufferings, held to-day, was unusu- 
ally small. I thought there was a feeling of unity among us, 
in finishing our business, preparatory to the Yearly Meeting 
near at hand. 

14th. The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was also 
small ; yet we were favored with holy help ; under which I was 
enabled to set forth the qualification and authority of a minis- 
ter of Christ. Unsound doctrine could not be gospel ministry, 
nor could sentiments, sound in themselves, but declared without 
Divine authority, have a baptizing effect upon the audience, and 
be received as the preaching of the gospel of Christ. While it 
is needful to guard against creaturely activity, it is also neces- 
sary to be aware of the suggestions of Satan, who would induce 
the timid, cautious ones, to hold back from their duty ; and 
thereby lose their strength, and the meeting be deprived of 
what the Head of the church designed for its comfort and help. 

16th. The Yearly Meeting convened, which was large, and 
over the minds of Friends, the wing of Ancient Kindness was 
spread. There was an ingathering to Christ, and solemnity 
and weight were felt. The representatives were called ; the 
minutes of their appointment, and one of the reports were read. 
In the afternoon, the minutes of the Meeting for Sufferings were 
brought before the meeting, and much united with. On the 
17th, the meeting entered upon the consideration of the Queries 
and Answers ; during which, many Friends were led into a 
lively exercise, on account of the subordinate meetings and their 
members ; and ability was given to administer counsel and 
warning upon many points, and to encourage Friends to greater 
dedication to the cause of Truth, and the discharge of their re- 
ligious duties. It was a favored season ; so that many thought 
they had not attended such a sitting ; and others, that it resem- 
bled some of former days. It was cause of thankfulness, that 
the Master condescended to our low estate, and showed that He 
had not forsaken us. 19th of the month the meeting closed. 

Fifth month 3d. I went to the Arch Street Meeting, and sat 
a good while in poverty. The danger of being deceived in our 
estimate of our own condition, and by the flatteries and good 
opinions of others, so as to settle down in ease, and unconcern- 
edness, under the belief that our spiritual state is better than it 



672 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1860. 

is in the sight of the Lord, was brought before me. As time 
was steadily passing away, and carrying all of ns nearer to the 
end of our pilgrimage, and the eternal world, it was of the 
greatest moment we should seriously lay it to heart ; and, above 
all things, be desirous that the Lord would give us a true sight 
of ourselves, and bring us under a fervent concern to have our 
garments washed, and the heart cleansed by the baptism of the 
Holy Grhost and fire ; that it may be prepared for the Lord of 
life and glory to take possession of. " If I wash thee not," said 
Christ to Peter, " thou hast no part in me." " He that believeth 
and is baptized, shall he saved." I felt strong desires that every 
one might be brought to submit to this baptism, and experience 
a right sense of his state ; and that the Lord would accomplish 
his work of sanctification in every one. I hoped that the 
awakening power of the Holy Spirit attended, and raised de- 
sires after righteousness ; and that when the end comes, we may 
be found clothed with the pure, white linen, so as to join the 
just, who surround the holy throne. 

5th. Our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was 
held. Through mercy, we were a little helped, and departed 
under a sense of the Lord's goodness to us, unworthy as we are 
of the least of all his favors. 

Seventh month 18th. I felt lonely in the midst of company; 
which tended to turn my thoughts inward to feel after the 
Lord, who in his merciful condescension, gave me a quickening 
sense of his presence ; which tendered and filled my heart with 
gratitude to Him for his unmerited, merciful regard. How little 
and low, and as nothing, do we feel when He condescends to 
appear. This is the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, 
through his blessed Spirit, that is life eternal to the soul, and 
far beyond all opinions that man forms, without the immediate 
manifestation of his Spirit. 

22nd. Our meeting at Orange Street is greatly reduced. 
After sitting a long time; the constraining power of Christ led 
me to break the silence on behalf of those who at times are 
brought to long for a knowledge of the right way of the Lord, 
and to obtain reconciliation with Him, and a sense of his Divine 
approbation. It is He who begets these hungerings after right- 
eousness ; and He alone can satisfy them ; and as He is obeyed 
in all his requirings, He will meet the penitent, humbled soul, 
with the reward of sweet peace. 



I860.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 673 

23rd. Onr little Select Preparative Meeting was held this 
morning, with evidences of fellowship, and desire for the right 
support of the cause of Christ. 

Eighth month 20th. For weeks past the enemy seems to 
have been let loose upon me ; and at times I greatly desired his 
presentations might be removed from me. This dispensation 
gave me a renewed sense of my own nothingness, and of the 
great need of stead}" watchfulness and prayer to the Lord, for 
his merciful regard and preservation. The case of the Apostle 
Paul, to whom was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of 
Satan sent to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above meas- 
ure, was lately brought into remembrance ; and that he had be- 
sought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from him ; but the 
Lord said unto him, " My grace is sufficient for thee, my strength 
is made perfect in weakness ; ,; which gave me the hope the 
present trial had been permitted for my humiliation. 

31st. My wife and daughter, who went to Cresson, on the 
Alleghany Mountain, about two weeks ago, returned this after- 
noon. Their safe arrival, and the improvement of my wife's 
health, afforded me much satisfaction. The change to the 
atmosphere on an elevated point of mountainous country, 
seemed to effect a decided alteration in my wife's feelings; 
which was cause of thankfulness to our Heavenly Father ; both 
for her release from very distressing sensations, and for our 
comfort in the prospect of her health being restored, so as to 
enable her to pursue her duties, and contribute to the happiness 
of her family. May it please the compassionate Shepherd of 
his flock, to continue his blessing to rest upon us, and keep us 
on every hand. 

Niuth month 2nd. Our first-day morning meeting was a 
favored opportunity ; my wife being engaged in testimony to 
the continued merciful visitations of the Lord to the souls He 
has made, even to the rebellious. I was drawn to kneel in vocal 
supplication to the Father of mercies ; to regard with compassion 
our low estate, who have no power to keep ourselves; and when 
the enemy comes like a flood to destroy the souls which God 
has made, He would in renewed mercy lift up his Holy Spirit 
as a standard against him ; warn us of his temptations, and 
enable us to resist them ; that we may glorify Him who alone 
is forever worthy. These acts are very humiliating to me, and 
are entered upon with fear and reverence. 



674 JOURNAL OF WILLrAM EVANS. [1860. 

Eleventh month 12th. Eode to Concord, and sat with the 
Ministers and Elders in their Quarterly Meeting. Next day the 
Quarterly Meeting for worship and discipline, was a solid, 
favored time ; in which the gospel stream flowed impressively 
upon many hearts. My sister, H. Ehoads, closed in solemn 
supplication. I believe it was a season of the renewal of strength 
and refreshment to the livingly exercised and rightly gathered 
members. On the 14th, we went to our friend Charles Down- 
ing's, and lodged, in order to be at Cain Quarter. 

15th. In the select meeting, after the Queries and Answers 
were gone through, I felt engaged to speak on the efficacy of 
faith ; that it was not only the substance of things hoped for, 
and the evidence of things not seen, but by it, the Lord's chil- 
dren in all ages, obtained the victory over their enemies within 
and without ; and as we keep this faith, looking to the Lor<v' 
alone for preservation and deliverance, under the many afflictions 
that may attend us, He will arise and carry us safely through. 
Above all, said the apostle, taking the shield of faith. We have 
had many extraordinarily gifted men and women among us, 
and perhaps, have been confiding improperly in them ; but they 
have been removed from the church militant, and our depend- 
ance must be turned to, and placed upon the Lord alone. In 
his time He can again give gifts to sons and daughters, and 
qualify them for his service ; and beautify the house of his glory 
where his honor dwells. 

The Quarterly Meeting convened next day. I was silent in 
both meetings. It was distressing to see so many young people 
leaving the house, as the partitions were closing ; and some of 
the members not returning for some time ; even after a messen- 
ger had been sent to desire them to come in. It is discouraging 
that so little effect seemed to follow the affectionate labor 
bestowed upon them by exercised servants, and ministers of the 
gospel of Christ. 

18th. The different reports of the men sent by Moses to search 
the land of Canaan, are descriptive of the different voices there 
are in Christendom, on the subject of religion ; producing their 
respective effects upon the people. Those who made false 
reports were not permitted to enter the promised land; by 
whom the people were discouraged, and though entreated by 
Caleb and Joshua, would not go up and take possession of it; 
out, refusing to obey the will of the Lord, they were turned into * 



I860.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 675 

the wilderness, as many now are, in a spiritual sense. When 
they found what awaited them for their disobedience, they de- 
termined to go up in their own wills; but having taken the 
government into their own hands, many were slain by their 
enemies, who met and destroyed them ; and the rest were turned 
back, to perish in their wilderness abode. So it seems to me, 
that such as disregard the voice of the Holy Spirit in their 
hearts, and refuse to obey the Lord's will, are left in a bewil- 
dered condition, and fail to find the state of rest and peace which 
those do who go forward at the Lord's bidding. They are left 
in a way to be destroyed, if they continue unwilling to receive 
the Saviour, when He shall again visit their souls with the offers 
of his mercy and saving light. 

Twelfth month 2nd. This has been a day of deep proving, 
and fears. In the afternoon meeting, a warning was held forth 
to those who are at ease ; neglecting their day's work, and the 
calls of Divine grace in the heart. Our Saviour said, " That 
many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down 
with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven ; but 
the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer dark- 
ness;" those who have had many invitations of the Grace of 
God, but after having these favors, have put off a compliance 
with the Divine call, to a period at which they may think it 
will suit their convenience ; while they know not at what hour 
the Son of Man may come to call them to judgment. Some 
comfort was handed to the suffering seed, who are bearing heavy 
burdens ; who are let down into low places ; and under a sense 
of their nothingness, and the dangers that surround them, are 
crying to the Lord for protection against the assaults of the evil 
one. 

17th. After a visit to \Yesttown ; I returned with some cold, 
and have since been unwell ; affected with dizziness, and some 
oppression. It seemed like the gradual breaking down of the 
tabernacle ; in which my sight, and hearing, and nervous system, 
are giving way ; and my thoughts were directed towards the 
end of my pilgrimage. I was brought to a very low estimate 
of myself; craving that the Lord's mercy might be extended to 
me, a poor unworthy creature ; and that my sins, even the sins 
of my youth, might be forgiven, and washed away by my dear 
and holy Eedeemer; I having nothing of my own to rely upon. 



676 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1861. 

My feelings were peaceful, in the midst of poverty and great 
unworthiness. 

1861, First month 16th. This morning we have received the 
affecting intelligence of the decease of our beloved and honorable 
brother, Joseph Ehoads, after about thirty-six hours sickness. He 
was a man of remarkable uprightness in his dealings; showing 
much consideration for the necessities of those employed by him. 
He was possessed of good understanding, and fond of useful read- 
ing ; and was strictly careful in his conversation to avoid saying 
anything to the prejudice of others ; so that he was more noted 
for his silence in company, and in meetings for discipline, than 
for much speaking. As an elder, though his diffidence withheld 
him from much activity in that important station, yet he gave 
evidence that he was sound in principle, and steadfast in sup- 
porting the testimonies and discipline of our religious Society. 
He accompanied me in several religious visits, and always main- 
tained much equanimity, and a solid exemplary deportment, 
wherever we went ; expressing his comfort when meetings were 
got through, under feelings of the authority and help of the 
Head of the church. 

Second month 2nd. Our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers 
and Elders, was very small; nine or ten of the members being ab- 
sent; and though I believe Divine help was with us, the feeling 
of the state of the meeting was trying. 

4th. The meetings for worship and for discipline, were pretty 
satisfactory; some of the n;inistry being lively. 

7th. I attended Abington Quarterly Meeting; which was 
smaller than I expected, considering how many citizens have 
removed to Germantown. I was brought into near sympathy 
with some in the meeting, who are baptized into low places, and 
partake of much discouragement on account of the degeneracy 
in the present day. I hope the Lord extended a hand of help ; 
and the meeting was ended with prayer for the Lord's continued 
mercy and preserving power. Some exercise prevailed in the 
second meeting for the support of our testimonies. I came 
away with the hope that I had been in my place. 

15th. On the 13th and 14th, I attended Salem Quarterly 
Meeting, held at Woodbury. There were present at the Select 
Meeting, three men and four women Friends ; some being kept 
away by indisposition. The number of aged, experienced Friends 
in the stations of minister and elder, and those truly prepared 



1861.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 677 

for those stations, has become much reduced in our Yea rly Meet- 
ing; yet among the young people, we may hope the preparing 
hand is at work, to fit them for service in the militant church. 
Friends who are rightly exercised for the cause of Truth, are 
often brought low ; and put up their secret petitions to the Lord 
of the harvest, that He w^ould send forth laborers into his har- 
vest field. I thought the Master of assemblies helped us, and 
enabled us to minister to the people. 

I returned home in the afternoon, with peaceful feelings. 

Third month 14th. Attended Haddonfield Quarterly Meet- 
ing ; in the first part of w r hich, my wife was engaged in humble 
supplication to the Lord, for the extendings of his Divine help 
<_ the burden bearers ; and for the gathering of the children. 

In the meeting for business, I thought it right to revive the 
injunction of our blessed Lord, ' ; What I say unto you, I say 
unto all. Watch." " Watch and pray, lest ye enter into tempta- 
tion." It is not beginning well, and running well for a time; 
but those who held out to the end, that shall be saved. He also 
said to one of the churches, "Because thou hast kept the word 
of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of tempta- 
tion, wmich shall come upon all the world ; to try them that 
dwell upon the earth." Satan hates this religious Society, and 
is trying to lay it waste; but He that sitteth in the heavens 
shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision who join in 
this w 7 ork. I encouraged Friends to keep inward, in their tents, 
with their eye to the Lord. I believed his hand was stretched 
out to sons and daughters ; w T hom He was bringing under exer- 
cise, to prepare them for his services ; and reminded them of the 
importance of keeping near to one another, and to submit to the 
work of Divine Grace in the heart ; that so they might be washed 
and sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and 
by the spirit of our God. This would unite us together in the 
bond of peace. 

Fifth month 28th. I went to the Northern District, where I 
w T as exercised on the importance of learning and practising 
patience and resignation to the Divine Will. That as we quietly 
bore the afflictions and sufferings that come upon us, the Lord 
would sanctify them to us, and finally turn Satan backward ; 
releasing us from his buffetings and temptations; and causing 
his own peace and love to flow into our hearts.. This would 
keep out all enmity towards others. And as we w r ere drawing 
44 



C78 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM EVANS. [1861. 

nearer e^ ery day to the judgment seat of Christ, we should 
strive to have our hearts sweetened by his love ; and herein the 
unity of the Spirit would increase among us. We shall never 
become the Society we were in the beginning, unless all ill-will 
is cast out, and we show forth the fruits of the Spirit of the 
Lamb, as Friends did then, under contumely, reproach and 
persecution, which had a powerful effect to convince others of 
the truth of their principles ; and draw many to join them. 

Sixth month 4th. The weather, almost through the whole 
Spring, had been very changeable ; about double the usual depth 
of rain having fallen. A cloudy, dull atmosphere has been de- 
pressing ; and with the mournful state of the country, makes every 
thing around us give the feeling of sadness. War with the South- 
ern States has greatly injured trade and commerce ; involving the 
Government in a great debt ; and bringing want and distress 
upon many people. Engagements between several small bodies 
of troops, have been attended with destruction of human life, 
which administers increased sorrow. Men shooting or cutting 
one another down, simply to gain the ascendancy, and to drive 
the survivors from their position, is like the thoughtless cruelty 
of the beasts ; and shows a total absence of all respect for the 
value of an immortal soul, the design of the Great Creator in 
giving existence to it, and the inconceivable awfulness of being 
ushered into his dread presence, either to join the saints in light, 
or to be condemned to everlasting separation from the joys of 
his salvation. Civil war has never before been known in this 
country ; how far it may spread, and in what destruction it may 
involve the inhabitants, we cannot foresee ; but at the present 
time there are few indications that it will be speedily brought 
to a close. Our hope and trust can be rightly placed in the 
Lord alone. He only can restrain the wrath of wicked men, 
defeat their evil designs, and deliver out of their hands his 
children, who have none in heaven to look to but Him ; and 
dare not resort to the arm of flesh to defend themselves. Friends 
m this part of the country have been free from any apprehen- 
sions of danger, so far ; and I think, maintain a state of quiet- 
ness and watchfulness, so as not to baulk their testimony to 
the government of the Prince of Peace. 

10th. We are sometimes in danger of overvaluing ourselves 
and our attainments, and of being over-estimated by our kind- 
ho-arted friends; all of whhh have their dangerous effects, if 



1861.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 679 

not prevented by the daily watch, in the fear of the Lord. This 
morning, I was particularly abased, under a review of some of 
the sins of my youth, and the feeling that what I had done in 
the persuasion of religious duty, when the candle of the Lord 
shone about me, and opened the way to perform what He re- 
quired of me, was of but little avail. I felt very much bereft 
of evidence of Divine regard, so that it was difficult to believe 
I was an object of the Lord's continued mercy and approbation. 
But as I have often recommended the essential necessity of ex- 
periencing the baptisms of the Holy Ghost and fire, in order to 
consume thoroughly every impurity, I desired to abide under 
the present humiliating feelings, and secretly breathed that the 
Lord would not forsake me ; but would cut short the thread of 
my life, rather than permit Satan to bring reproach by me, upon 
the blessed truth, as professed by our Society. 

It has been a day of close besetment, but this evening secret 
hope has been felt, that the everlasting arm is still round about, 
and will sustain and defend me, a poor unworthy one, against 
the assaults of the enemy ; and in unmerited mercy, wash away 
and pardon my many deviations and shortcomings, through the 
spirit of judgment and burning, and by the precious blood of the 
Lamb. We are nothing, Christ is all ; and without his imme- 
diate help, we can do nothing that is good. 

13th. Feeling my mind drawn to the Arch Street Meeting, 1 
went, and through the condescending goodness of the blessed 
Shepherd, of the sheep, I was enabled to hold forth the lan- 
guage of encouragement to those who love the Lord Jesus ; of 
whom I believed there were many preserved. The testimony 
of the apostle was revived ; that " Tribulation worketh patience, 
and patience experience, and experience, hope ; and hope maketh 
not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our 
hearts, by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us." Whatever 
may be our tribulations, as this love abides in us, we shall not 
only love God above everything else, but be brought to love all 
men ; so as to desire their salvation. This path, as we keep the 
faith and patience of the saints, is a glorious path, and will shine 
more and more unto the perfect day ; in which we shall be made 
victorious over all the temptations of Satan ; and be kept to the 
end, through the intercession of Christ, who bore the cross for 
our sakes, and is set down at the right hand of the Father, 
making intercession for us poor unworthy creatures. 



680 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1861. 

Seventh month 3d. My brother Joseph took me to Chester 
Meeting. "We found a larger company convened than I had ex- 
pected. My heart was replenished with love, drawing me to visit 
them ; and the language of the Master, and of his disciple was 
brought before me, " By this shall all men know that ye are my 
disciples, if ye have love one to another;" "Little children love 
one another ;" " We know that we have passed from death unto 
life, because we love the brethren." The essential importance of 
having our hearts filled with love to our Heavenly Father, and 
showing its fruits by keeping his commandments, were opened 
to the company; with sincere desires that love might increase 
more and more, and unite them together. The qualification for 
usefulness in the church, and the happiness of individuals, meet- 
ings and neighborhoods, greatly depend upon it. Prayer was 
offered to the Father of mercies, to watch over and defend us 
against the temptations of Satan ; and enable us to walk in 
holy fear, and to be instrumental in spreading the kingdom of 
the Messiah ; by living up to, and supporting the principles and 
testimonies of the gospel. 

Attended our Select Preparative Meeting on the 22d, and our 
Monthly Meeting on the 24th ; in which the usual business of 
replying to the Queries, was harmoniously attended to. I also 
attended the North Monthly Meeting, and that held at Arch 
Street ; in which a fresh ability was furnished to preach the 
gospel, and to labor for the support of our christian testimonies. 

Eighth month 11th. At the first-day meeting at Springfield; 
which was pretty well attended. The doctrine of regeneration, 
and knowing the Divine influence of the Holy Spirit in the 
heart, was preached, to those present. It was shown that as we 
live and walk in it, the heavenly nature of the Spirit of Christ 
will subdue our passions and propensities; and enable us to love 
our enemies, to pray for them that despitefully use and perse- 
cute us ; that so we may be the children of our Father which is 
in heaven ; who makes his sun to shine on the evil and on the 
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. True 
christians cannot draw the sword against any, but would seek 
the good of all, and to be instruments for spreading the king- 
dom of Christ in the earth. 

12th. With our brother and sister, J. and G. E., my wife and 
I, left home for Concord, to attend the Quarterly Meeting; 



1861.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 681 

where we stopped at our dear friend's !N". Sharpless ; and then 
attended the Meeting of Ministers and Elders. 

13th. The forepart of the Quarterly Meeting was silent, 
except two short communications. Feelings of distress pre- 
vailed over many; the spring of Divine life being closed by 
some cause. The usual business was transacted, and towards 
the close, I felt constained to advert to our testimony to the 
peaceable reign of the Messiah; and to show the essential im- 
portance of maintaining love and unity amongst ourselves, if 
we desire to bear this testimony faithfully, before the world. 
Even under a former dispensation, it was said, "Behold how 
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 
unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran 
down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the 
skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew 
that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord 
commanded the blessing, even life forevermore." We have need 
of individual examination, and watchfulness, to guard us against 
giving way to any spirit or practice, that would lay waste the 
Society or hurt its members. 

22d. Being prevented from attending my own, I went to the 
Arch Street Meeting ; which was very small, the weather being 
wet ; but the comforting influence of Divine Good was spread 
over us. " Why art thou cast down, oh, my soul; and why art 
thou disquieted within me ! Hope thou in God, for I shall yet 
praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God." 
These expressions of the Psalmist were brought before me, as 
applicable to the low state of some present; and in simplicity 
and godly sincerity, I revived them, and was led to encourage 
all to keep the faith which had been given to them ; and the 
Lord who knows our impotency, will keep us by his invisible 
power, and defend us against all the devices of the enemy. 
"As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is 
round about his people, from henceforth even forever." A feel- 
ing of humble, childlike tenderness seemed to be spread over us 
at the close of the meeting, which had a uniting effect, and was 
a sweet reward. 

Ninth month 9th. This morning, I went to my friends S. 
and B. Nicholson, at Haddonfield, and attended their Monthly 
Meeting. The necessity of bearing patiently the light afflic- 
tions, which are but for a moment, that we may be humbled, 



682 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1861. 

emptied of all self-confidence, and brought to see that we are 
nothing, whatever may have been our gifts, and past experience, 
was revived in my mind; and believing that there were those 
among us, who were enduring suffering, and watching unto 
prayer for their own preservation, and for the spreading of the 
Eedeemer's kingdom, I was induced to address them in the sym- 
pathy and fellowship of the gospel ; reminding them, that it 
had been the lot of the Lord's children in all generations. The 
"fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 
and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud, and in the sea; 
and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same 
spiritual drink ; for they drank of that Eock that followed them ; 
and that Eock was Christ." As we are baptized by one Spirit 
into one body, and made to drink into one Spirit, we experi- 
ence the love and fellowship of the gospel, to circulate as from 
vessel to vessel. Poverty and emptiness had been my feelings 
in coming to the meeting, and in sitting there; but 1 hoped 
there was something of the springing up of Divine life, and that 
we were a little cheered together. 

Eleventh month. In contemplating the trials and overturn- 
ings to which our religious Society has been subjected for many 
years in this country, I was made to believe a few days since, 
that the gracious Shepherd was still near to us, and that the 
time was not very far off, when He would go through his flock, 
and renew the visistations of his love to the younger members. 
That He would bestow gifts upon them, to be occupied in his 
church ; and prepare and send forth servants to proclaim and 
spread the doctrines of the gospel, and his blessed cause, from 
sea to sea; and from the rivers to the ends of the earth. 
Hereby the beauty, and strength, and influence of our Society, 
in this Yearly Meeting, and in this city, will be restored ; and 
a body of solid and deeply experienced men and women, it 
appeared to me, would be again raised up as standard bearers, 
and watchmen upon the walls of Zion. ' May the Lord hasten it 
in his time and way ; and enable us to continue to bear patiently 
the sufferings that remain for us to endure ; for our own sakes, 
and for one another, whatever they may be. 

4th. The Quarterly Meeting for Discipline, was a season of 
favor. The spring of gospel ministry was afresh opened ; in 
which several were made partakers; and the open service was 
closed with prayer, that He, who in mercy had visited us in 



1861.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 683 

early days, and been with us all our life, unto this day, would 
continue to watch over us, warn us of surrounding dangers, and 
deliver us from them; and that He would visit the young peo- 
ple, and raise up instruments in his blessed cause ; to join in 
spreading the kingdom of his dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 
from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth. 
Much weight and solemn quiet continued throughout both 
meetings; and Friends spoke of it to one another as a time of 
comfort and encouragement. 

Having received an invitation from our dear friend, Martha 
Wistar, to accompany S. and B. Nicholson, in a visit to her, 
at her residence, near Salem, N. Jersey, on the 11th, my dear 
wife and I went to Haddonfield ; hoping that the ride and visit 
would be reviving and invigorating to my wife's health, which 
had been in a precarious state for several years. 

On the 12th, we rode down to Martha Wistar's; my wife con- 
versed very cheerfully, appearing to enjoy the ride, and remark- 
ing on the beauty of the country, as we passed through it. 
Next day, the 13th, we all attended the Quarterly Meeting of 
Ministers and Elders held in Salem ; towards the close of which, 
after a Friend had spoken to one of the Queries, my wife made 
some remarks in unison with what had been said; and then 
added ; that during the time we had been sitting together, she 
had dwelt much on the language, "Men ought always to pray 
and not to faint." That while she had no unity with the spirit 
of activity that was so much abroad in the present day, which 
would lead to the repetition of mere words ; she believed tho 
state of the church called for deep indwelling, and travail of 
spirit, before the Lord ; to this she encouraged all, and said she 
believed there were some struggling ones there who were 
silently pleading, as at the Master's feet, for preservation ; beg- 
ging for themselves and for the church. The Lord regardeth 
such as these, and would regard them. They wear their sack- 
cloth underneath, and that is right ; and such were the salt of the 
earth. And although discouragement might so abound, that 
some who were so exercised, might conclude they were among 
the hindermost of the flock, or might even doubt whether they 
were of the flock of Christ, yet as they struggled to maintain 
the warfare, preservation would be experienced. That it was 
in the night season, Jacob wrestled w T ith the angel ; and it was 
declared of him, "A3 a prince, hast thou power with God, and 



684 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1861. 

hast prevailed." She mentioned what a mercy it was, that we 
have an High Priest, who is touched with a feeling of our in- 
firmities ; and she wished to encourage all, to persevere in this 
deep, inward, fervent prayer. She did believe, that as such an 
exercise was maintained by those who mourned for the desola- 
tion of Zion, judges would be raised up, as at the first, and 
counsellors as at the beginning: adding "It is my firm belief, 
and faith, that it will be so; though I may not live to see it, yet 
it will be so." 

We returned to Martha Wistar's, and dined; and towards 
evening went to S. D.'s, where we took tea, and passed the 
evening in cheerful conversation, and then returned to our 
lodgings. We retired at usual bed-time, when my dear wife 
seemed as well as she had been for some time ; but a little after 
two o'clock, she awoke with uncomfortable feelings, and appeared 
unable to bear a recumbent position. Various means were tried 
to renew the impeded circulation, but in vain ; and she quietly 
expired without any apparent pain or struggle, in about an hour 
after she first showed difficulty of breathing. 

To me, the breaking of a tie, that made us one flesh, and in 
which we were affectionately united in the one Spirit, and fellow- 
ship of the pure gospel of Christ, was a deeply affecting and unex- 
pected event. But though deeply afflicted, the Lord was merciful, 
in sustaining my poor soul above the billows ; and enabling me 
to look to Him for support and preservation, now my most faith- 
ful companion, and cheerful, experienced counsellor and com- 
forter was taken away, in the ordering of his inscrutable wisdom. 
No one who has not had such a valuable and closely united help- 
meet, through many spiritual trials, can be sensible of the loss 
I sustained, and the depth of affliction into which I have been 
plunged by the removal of my dear wife. She was a mother in 
Israel ; a cherisher of the children in the early buddings of the 
fruits of the Spirit, in their tender minds ; and an encourager and 
strengthener of the weary traveller, bearing burdens for Zion's 
sake, and the support and spreading of the Eedeemer's cause of 
truth and righteousness in the earth, in our own Society ; and 
also as she came into their company, among those of other re- 
ligious denominations. 

A messenger was sent to Philadelphia next morning, to con- 
vey the sorrowful intelligence to my brothers, and by them to 
our beloved children ; to whom it was a great shock. Several 



1862.] JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. 685 

came down to us that evening, and next morning we accompa- 
nied the remains in the steamboat, to the city ; where we met 
others at our house, clothed with sadness. On landing at the 
wharf, I recollected that I went away, as it were, full, and now 
returned empty, as to any feeling of earthly enjoyment. As I 
rode down the street, loaded with deep affliction, a voice passed 
through my mind, as if uttered by one of the heavenly company, 
"She is among the glorified in light." This was a most quickening 
salutation, and while it gave evidence that the redeemed spirit of 
my precious, departed one, was partaking of the joys of God's 
salvation, with the countless multitude with palms in their hands, 
of which she had often borne testimony in her gospel ministry 1 ; 
it also showed that through the same unmerited mercy and con- 
descension, I was not overlooked or forgotten in my deep dis- 
tress. It raised thanksgiving and praise to the Lord my God, 
who had been with me all my life-long ; fed me and kept me 
unto this day; in the hope that He would still condescend to be 
with me, and keep my head above the billows, and preserve me 
as in the hollow of his omnipotent Hand, so that I may be en- 
abled to fill up the measure of suffering and duty that He may 
allot ; know all my sins to be forgiven, and my garments washed 
and made white in the blood of the Lamb, and be accepted at 
last through Him, my gracious Eedeemer. 

The interment took place on second-day the I8th of the 
Eleventh month. Great interest and love for her were mani- 
fested, in the very large company, who convened at that time,, 
and viewed her placid, sweet countenance, over which many 
tears were shed, in the remembrance of her christian spirit, and 
fervent labors for the good of souls. Before the company left 
the house, several Friends, well acquainted with her, bore tes- 
timony to her religious standing and worth, as a servant of 
Christ ; who neither turned to the right hand nor to the left, 
but faithfully discharged her duty to her Lord and Master, for 
the good of souls, and the support and spreading of his blessed 
cause. 

1862. Many deep baptisms have I passed through, and feel- 
ings of great loneliness, since the death of my beloved and val- 
uable wife ; who was a great support and comfort to me, in our 
united travail for the salvation of our own souls, and of our 
dear children, as well as of others. But though greatly stripped 
at times, the Lord's mercy and compassion towards a poor crea- 



686 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EVANS. [1862 to 

ture, have not been -withdrawn. I have been enabled to pat up 
breathings of spirit to Him for preservation to the end. 

Our Yearly Meeting held in the Fourth month this year, was 
often favored with solemnity and religious weight. The first 
sitting was attended with feelings of strong desire for the res- 
toration of unity through the Yearly Meetings. Friends were 
much tendered, particularly the young people ; and one or two 
expressed their hope of the return of true fellowship. The 
presence of the Great Head of the church was remarkably felt 
over the meeting. 

Fifth month. Feeling my mind drawn into sympathy with 
Friends of Abington Quarter, I attended that meeting, and in the 
love of the gospel, was enabled to visit the tribulated members ; 
who, like their brethren and sisters elsewhere, have to drink of 
the cup of suffering and fear, for the good cause' sake. I believe 
holy help was extended, and we were baptized by the one 
Spirit into one body, and were enabled to thank our Holy Helper, 
and to take a little fresh courage. 



1867.] 



CONCLUSION. 

The last entry made by my brother in his diary, was that 
dated Fifth month, 1862. His sight had been long impaired by 
cataract in one eye, and the incipient stage of the same disease 
in the other. The loss sustained by the death of his beloved 
and valuable wife, though borne with christian patience and 
resignation, as the infirmities of old age pressed upon him, was 
an ever present source of sorrow; which, with the irreparable 
shock given to his nervous system by her sudden and unex- 
pected removal, soon greatly affected his general health. His 
sight failed rapidly, and it was not long ere he was unable to see 
to read or to write. To one whose mind had always been ac- 
tive, and who had accustomed himself to employ much time in 
the use of the pen, or in the perusal of books congenial with 
the tone of his thoughts and feelings, this privation was keenly 
felt. But as he was thus cut off from some outward sources of 
mental enjoyment, his attention was more and more withdrawn 
from external things, and in reverent retirement before the 
Lord, centered on the inward manifestations of his Spirit. In 
this deep introversion, he was often brought into low places, 
and close searching of heart ; renewing those humiliating views 
of himself, of his attainments in the way of holiness, and of his 
faithfulness in occupying the gifts, and making a right return 
for the manifold mercies bestowed upon him ; of which he often 
speaks in his Journal. Not, as he said, that he found any thing 
laid to his charge, or that there was any known duty which he 
had refused to perform ; but such was his sense of the frailty of 
human nature, and the awfulness of the soul, when unclothed 
of mortality, being ushered into the immediate presence of in- 
finite and immaculate Purity, that he felt there could be no hope 
for him, nor for any, but as in immeasurable condescension, an 
undoubted assurance was granted of acceptance, through that 
Saviour who died for poor, lost man, and whose mercy covered 
the judgment seat. 

Although much restricted by want of sight, and the continued, 



688 conclusion. [1862 to 

though gradual, decline of strength, from going far from home, 
he continued frequently to attend different meetings in the city, 
and occasionally visited one or more in the country, at no great 
distance. It was always a source of satisfaction to him thus to 
mingle with his friends, to unite with them in waiting on the 
Lord, and in seeking for ability to render to Him acceptable 
worship in spirit and in truth. 

The Friends of the respective meetings, to which he belonged, 
testify respecting him and his services during that period, that, 
"His ministry, though not frequent, continued to be lively and 
weighty; sometimes inviting the young to take the yoke of 
Christ upon them, so that they might secure the proper enjoy- 
ment of the things of this world, and a well-grounded hope of 
admittance into the company of saints and angels hereafter j and 
calling on his fellow members, not to rest satisfied with anything 
short of complete sanctification ; that being grafted into Christ, 
the living Vine, they might be made fruit-bearing branches, and 
through the renewings of the Holy Ghost, bring forth much 
fruit, to the glory of G-od the Father. In the Sowings of gos- 
pel love towards his fellow men, and especially towards those 
of the same household of faith, he often expressed his fervent 
desire for their establishment and growth in the unchangeable 
Truth ; on several occasions remarking, he felt that if he had 
but bodily ability, and it was his Master's will, he would cheer- 
fully go forth once more through the Society, to preach the glad 
tidings of salvation."* 

The last time he got out to meeting, was in the afternoon of 
first-day the 30th of the Twelfth month, 1866. A few days 
after, he rode to the residence of two women Friends, members 
of the same meeting with himself, who had been sometime con- 
fined by indisposition, where he was engaged in the ministry. 
This was the last visit he made. The next morning, First month 
6th, 1867, he was seized with great difficulty of breathing, and 
from that time the disease that finally terminated his life, was 
rapidly developed. 

As the circulation became more and more impeded, the dif- 
ficulty of breathing increased; and about the middle of the 
Third month, he became unable to bear a recumbent position, 
bo that for more than two weeks he remained almost constantly 

* See Memorial. 



1867.] conclusion. 689 

in a sitting position, enduring great weariness and oppression. 
The remedies resorted to were, however, so far successful in re- 
lieving the severity of his symptoms, as to allow him again to 
recline in bed. Though free from acute pain, his suffering was 
great, and was borne without murmuring, he often remarking, 
that though he found the infirmities of the flesh as much as he 
could well endure, they were doubtless permitted in Divine wis- 
dom, and were intended for his further refinement. 

During his long confinement, he continued to maintain a lively 
interest in the welfare of our religious Society ; manifesting on 
different occasions, the earnest travail of his soul, that Friends 
might be drawn more nearly together in the fellowship of the 
gospel, and be willing faithfully to support the doctrines and 
testimonies, which he believed the great Head of the Church 
had raised up the Society to exemplify to the world. He was 
frequently visited by many of his beloved fellow members, min- 
isters and others, and many precious opportunities were thus 
afforded for retirement before the Lord ; and not unfrequently 
he was clothed with ability to minister to those present; as 
were others to speak in the language of comfort and encourage- 
ment to him. On more than one occasion he expressed his 
earnest desire that nothing might be said byway of commenda- 
tion ; nor, unless they felt Divinely authorized, should any speak 
as though his salvation was secured ; for he felt that the watch 
and the warfare must be continued to the end, if the crown im- 
mortal was, through mercy, obtained. Notwithstanding these 
humble views of himself, and the care he manifested not to pre- 
sume on any past experiences, he on more than one occasion in- 
timated that his gracious Master had given him the assurance, 
that when done with time, he should be admitted into everlast- 
ing rest. 

During the time of holding the Yearly Meeting in the Fourth 
month of 1867, he was frequently brought under much exercise. 
The separation from his friends, when thus gathered to transact 
the affairs of the church, a work which had long been dear and 
deeply interesting to him, was keenly felt, but was borne with 
patience and resignation. At different times his spirit was 
bowed in sympathy with his brethren, earnestly desiring that 
the different important subjects before the meeting might be re- 
sulted in the authority of Truth ; and rejoicing when he heard 
of seasons of Divine favor being granted to the assembly. 



690 conclusion. [1867. 

Two Friends, one of them a minister, having called to see 
him, after the Yearly Meeting, he manifested that he still che- 
rished the concern he had long felt, for the right education of 
the children of Friends, by addressing one of them, whom he 
was told had been appointed on the committee having the over- 
sight of Westtown Boarding School ; encouraging him to bear 
in mind, while employed in the business necessary in carrying 
on the school, that there was matter of more serious importance 
connected with it ; and that if he was concerned to seek for 
Divine counsel in attending to that, he might himself experi- 
ence a growth in the Truth ; reminding him of the expression 
of Thomas Scattergood, in the early days of the Institution, 
" That if Friends were faithful to their principles in conducting 
it, it was a plantation the Lord would bless." The minister 
having addressed him in an encouraging manner, after a little 
pause, he said in a broken voice, "May the Lord in his unmerited 
mercy remove and forgive all those things which are contrary 
to his Divine will; that we may, through mercy, unmerited 
mercy, know a preparation for an admittance into his kingdom 
of rest and peace." 

During the last few days of his life, he conversed but little ; 
not only because the oppression made it difficult for him to speak, 
but his mind appeared to be fixed in the contemplation of the 
change that awaited him, and in being fervently engaged to be 
found ready when the summons came. 

His decease took place on the morning of the 12th of the 
Fifth month, 1867, in the 81st year of his age. "Blessed are 
the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth ; yea saith the 
Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do 
follow them." 



INDEX. 



A. 

Alexander, Ann, Prophecy of Page 18 

Allen, Charles, accompanies William Evans to Baltimore 220 

B. 

Barton, Elizabeth, Religious visit of, to Baltimore, Yearly Meeting.. .. 93 

Marriage of, to William Evans 93 

Barton, Rebecca, Notice of the death and character of 580 

Bettle, Samuel, Si\, Originates the establishment of the Book Store 30d 

Notice of a communication from, in Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 489 
Notice of remarks of, on the epistle received from London, inform- 
ing they had acknowledged the separate meeting in Ohio 634 

Britain, Great, War with, in 1812 28 

Bullock, John, Notice of the death of 398 

C. 

Carpenter, Mary, Notice of the death of. 446 

Cassin, Isabel, Notice of her being at Philadelphia Quarter 321 

Coggeshall, Elizabeth, visit to, by William Evans 186 

Comfort, Ezra, Testimony of ... 402 

Cope, Henry, accompanies William Evans to North Carolina in 1830 112 

Accompanies William Evans to Ohio 165 

Accompanies William Evans to Virginia 224 

Narrow escape of 225 

Accompanies William Evans to Indiana 312 

Accompanies William Evans to North Carolina 405 

Cox, John, Notice of 200 

D. 

Dean, Lydia, Notice of the sickness and death of 328 

(691) 



692 INDEX. 



E. 

Elkinton, Joseph, accompanies William Evans to the meetings in the 

Northwestern parts of New York Yearly Meeting, 333 

Accompanies William Evans to Indiana and Iowa 498 

Emlen, Sarah, Notice of the death of 498 

Evans, Jonathan, Letter from, to his son William 9 

Letter from, to his son William 10 

Views of, respecting the ministry 63 

Advice of, to his son William, when going on a religious visit 83 

Opens in his monthly meeting the disorder produced hy E. Hicks 

and his doctrines * 103 

Compiles the Journal of William Savery 187 

Sentiments of, respecting those who do not steadily support the 

discipline 195 

Last sickness, death, and character of 210, 211 

JL'vans, Hannah, Letter of, to her son William 9 

Letter of, to her son William 10 

Religious visit of, to several Quarterly Meetings 42 

Religious visit of, to New York Yearly Meeting 43 

Interview of, with E. Hicks 44 

Testimony of, to the divinity of Christ and the blessedness of the 

plan of salvation 91 

JJJvans, William, Parentage and birth of — Dislike of, to being restrained 

— Principles instilled by the mother of 6 

Sent to board with P. & H. Price 7 

Remarks of, on the care necessary where children are placed 

— Sent to Westtown. Amusements, &c, while there 8 

Enters a counting-house 1 1 

Goes apprentice to a druggist — Temptations of — Remarkable pre- 
servation from 12 

Religious education of — Powerful visitation of, when reading Wm. 

Leddra's epistle 13 

Change produced in — Distress of, after yielding to temptation 14 

Views of Divine worship in which educated — Opportunity for com- 
pany of Friends 15 

Induced to attend Methodist meeting — Views of, respecting them — 
also respecting Friends going to other places of worship — Dealings 

of the Lord with 16 

Opening to, of the power of temptation, and of Grace — Concern of. 

to attend meetings for discipline 17 

Visits of, to Rebecca Jones 19 

Visits of, to T. Scattergood — Views opened to, of the duty of 

Friends when acting in a church capacity 20 

Views of, respecting gospel ministry — Accompanies his mother to 

Cain— Sent to Oley 21 

View of future call to the ministry 22 



INDEX. 693 

Evans, William — {continued). 

Loses his belief in Christ 23 

Sudden restoration of faith in Christ — View of, respecting the 

origin and ground of faith 24 

Commences business — Scruples relative to business 25 

Divine promise to, that he should never want food and raiment — 

Marriage of, to Deborah Musgrave 26 

Visit of, to Long Branch — Remarks of, respecting visits to such 

places — Prostration of business of, by the war 28 

Accompanies his mother on a religious visit to Salem, &c. — Pro- 
posed change of business by 29 

Uneasiness of, at the prospect of changing his business 30 

Declines proceeding — Escape thereby — Reflections on Avar 31 

Brought before a Court Martial — Further remarks on war 32-35 

Commencement of the last sickness of the first wife of 35 

Character and convincement of the wife of 36, 37 

Account by, of the last sickness and death of his first wife 38-42 

Accompanies his mother on a religious visit to several Quarterly 

Meetings 42 

Accompanies his mother and S. Wilson to New York Yearly 

Meeting 43 

Accompanies his mother and H. Shinn to New England 44 

First appearance of, in the ministry 45 

Prospect of being called to the work of the ministry 46 

First appearance in the ministry in his own meeting — Views of, of 

the alone means for obtaining a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ 47 
Views of, respecting some of the causes of weakness in the Society 48 

Remarks of, on Humility 49 

Remarks of, on the introduction of unsound doctrine — Notice of 

the death of Sarah Wilson !t 50 

Views of, respecting Divine Worship, and on waiting on the Lord 52 
Visit of, to a sister-in-law in Ohio — Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting 53 
Account of, respecting some views expressed by E. Hicks — Con- 
versation with him respecting them 54 

Remarks of, on instances of falling away from the truth — Neces- 
sity of humility and a constant watch 55, 56 

On the effects of a worldly spirit — Dispensation for preparing for 

service — Appointed to visit families in the Monthly Meeting 57 

Remarks of, on the needful preparation for service 58 

Humbling dispensation endured by 59 

Attacked by malignant fever — Severe proving 60 

On the tribulation accompanying regeneration 61 

Conversation of, with his father respecting the ministry, &c 63 

Sudden closing of an opening to, while speaking in meeting 64 

Letter received by, from a Friend in relation to the above-men- 
tioned trial 65 

Comparison drawn by, between the preparation of vessels to leave 

their moorings and preparation to minister 66 

45 



694 INDEX. 

Evans, William — {continued). 

Reflections of. on some close trials endured 67 

Acknowledged as a minister — Baptism necessary to prepare for the 
work , 68 

Some notice by, of the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia in 1822 69 

Mortifying fears of, from supposed falling short in ministerial ser- 
vice at a meeting ., 70 

Notice by, of the defection and ranterism of some Friends in New 
England 71 

Observations of, on the spread of unsound doctrines through the 
Society 72 

Sentiments of, respecting primitive Friends, and present degene- 
racy, and denial of Divinity of Christ 74, 75 

Account by, of proceedings of the Meeting for Sufferings in relation 
to "Paul and Amicus" 76 

Notice by, of the fruits of the visit of E. Hicks to Philadelphia — 
Some account of Yearly Meeting of 1823 77-79 

Spread of spirit of disaffection to the principles of the Society in 
Philadelphia Quarter — Visit of, to Wm. Forster, Jr 79 

Visits Washington under appointment of Meeting for Sufferings — 
Exercises of, in different meetings 81 

Attends Baltimore Yearly Meeting — Concern while there 82 

Advice to, by his father as to the course to be pursued while out on 
a i-eligious visit 83 

Remarks of, on the condition of, and the sentiments of some, ex- 
pressed in Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 84 

Attends Concord and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings 85 

Notice of Yearly Meeting of 1824 86-88 

Letter frpm, to his brother Thomas 88 

Visit to Rhode Island Yearly Meeting, and some meetings belong- 
ing to it 90 

First meeting appointed by — Testimony of the mother of, to the 
divinity of Christ, and the wisdom of the gospel plan of sal- 
vation 91 

Circumstance mentioned by, showing the communion of rightly 
exercised spirits 92 

Marriage of to E. Barton — Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meet- 
ing in 1825 93 

Proposes to visit the meetings of Philadelphia Quarter, but stopped 
in the meeting by the disaffected members — Opens in the Select 
Quarterly Meeting his concern respecting the spread of principles 
of infidelity 95 

Notice by, of religious communications by R. Jordan and Elizabeth 
Robson in the Select Yearly Meeting of 1825 96 

Some notice by, of the Yearly Meeting of 1825 97-99 

Testimony by, to the value of the Holy Scriptures 98 

Attends New Tork Ye> rly Meeting — Spirit of disaffection mani- 
fested therein 100 



INDEX. 695 

Evans, William— {continued). 

Kemarks by, on the progress of the spirit of infidelity — Notice by, 
of an attempt to make new appointments in the Meeting for 

Sufferings 101 

Notice by, of death of R. Jordan 102 

Attends some meetings in company with G. and A. Jones 103 

Notice by, of a distressing communication made in Philadelphia 

Meeting of Ministers and Elders 104 

Testimony borne by, in Concord Quarterly Meeting against the 

unsound opinions prevailing in the Society 105 

Account by, of the Yearly Meeting of 1827 106-108 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, 5th month, 1827 108 

Account by, of the attempt made by the Separatists to obtain part of 
the property belonging to the Southern District Monthly Meet- 
ing 109 

Notice by, of the holding of Abington Quarterly Meeting, 5th 

month, 1827 110 

Attends the Conference of Delegates from the Yearly Meetings held 

in Ohio in 1828 Ill 

Attends Conference of similar delegates held in Philadelphia in 1829 
— Sets out on a religious visit to North Carolina Yearly Meeting 

and a few of its branches «... 112 

Some notice by, of proceedings in North Carolina Yearly Meet- 
ing 113,114 

Enters on a religious visit to the meetings in New England 115 

Some account by, of meetings attended in New England, and of 

exercises therein 115-124 

Liberated to make a visit to Friends in New York and Vermont — 

Trial to leave home 124 

Account by, of the meetings attended and religious exercises passed 

through during this journey 124-163 

Remarks of, on the injurious effects of speculation in property 125 

Meets with the widow of David Sands 126 

Visit of to Anne Thorne 132 

Remarks of, on the necessity of restraining children ; and on the 
great loss sustained by not obliging the pupils to dress plain in 

schools under the control of Friends 136 

Visit of, to the widow of H. Hull 138 

Observations of, on the many advantages enjoyed by Friends in 

Philadelphia, and their responsibilities 140 

Conversation of, with a Friend on the doctrine of Immediate Reve- 
lation 143 

Remarks of, on the duty of parents to give their children a good 

education — Consequences of a neglect of education 145 

Remarks of, on contracted habits, and views of, life especially with- 
out religion 147 

Remarks of, on Friends becoming absorbed in anyone thing, as' 



696 INDEX. 

Evans, William — (continued). 

Abolition, Temperance, &c., and joining with other professors in 

plans to promote that object 148-9 

Remarks of, on the duty of Friends attending properly to appoint- 
ments made in meetings 153 

Notice by, of the great fire in New York — Reached home from New 

York 163 

Unites with his brother Thomas in a periodical publication of the 
approved writings of Friends — Attends the Yearly Meeting in 

New York 164 

Leaves home on a religious visit to Ohio — Account of visit 165-175 

Notice by, of Ohio Yearly Meeting 166, 167 

Some account by, of Mildred Ratcliff 168 

Views of, respecting the members of Red Stone Quarterly Meeting 173 
Returns home from the visit in Ohio — Attends by appointment 

Shrewsbury and Rahway Quarterly Meeting, &c 175 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting 1837 176 

Notice by, of the sickness and death of J. Gibbons 177 

Reflections of, on the events of his life, and on the prevalence of a 

worldly spirit 177-8 

Reflections of, on the state of the country 179-80 

Liberated to attend New England Yearly Meeting and a few of its 

meetings 180 

Some account by, of New England Yearly Meeting 181-183 

Visit of, to Elizabeth Coggeshall — Returns home from NeAv Eng- 
land 186 

Goes as one of a deputation sent to the convention at Harrisburg.... 187 

Visits Evesham Meeting 188 

Visits Abington 188 

Visits Salem and Burlington Quarterly Meetings 190 

Visits Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting 191 

Reasons given by, why spiritual gifts are not bestowed — Visit of, to 

Wilmington Meeting 193 

Liberated to visit the meetings of Haddonfield and Burlington Quar- 
terly Meetings 196-209 

Visit of, to John Cox 200 

Leaves home on a Committee to visit Muncy and Exeter Monthly 

Meetings and branches 201 

Notice by, of Ellen McCarty, and some of her religious service.... 202 

Finishes the visit — Reflections on the State of the Society, &c 204 

Accompanies his wife on a religious visit to Nine Partners and 

Stanford Quarterly Meetings, New York 206 

Religious exercise at Westtown School 208 

Views of, respecting the state of the Society, and of the ministry... 209 
Liberated to visit Cain and Concord Quarterly Meetings and their 
branches — Account by, of the sickness, death and character of 
his father 210, 211 



INDEX. 



697 



Evans, "William — {continued). 

Sets out on the visit to Cain and Concoid 211 

Finishes the visit, and returns home — Feelings of, at the approach 

of the Yearly Meeting— Notice of Yearly Meeting of 1839 216 

Feelings of, in regard to Jacob Green — Attends Abington Quarterly 

Meeting 217 

Attends Bucks Quarter 218 

Lesson taught to, respecting speaking in meeting — Visits Haddon- 

field Quarterly Meeting , 219 

Notice by, of Yearly Meeting of 1840 — Pays a religious visit to 

Baltimore Quarterly Meeting and branches 220 

Sets out on a religious visit to Westbury and Purchase Quarterly 

Meetings, and some of their branches 221 

Trial of faith and patience of 222 

Exercise of, at Westtown 223 

Notice by, of Yearly Meeting of 1841 224 

Religious visit by, to Virginia Yearly Meeting 224-226 

Narrow escape of companion of 225 

Notice by, of Virginia Yearly Meeting 226 

Last sickness, character and death of the oldest son of 226-228 

Liberated to visit the Yearly Meetings of Virginia and North Caro- 
lina and their branches — Remarks on the unity of Friends with 

such concerns.. 228 

Account of visit 228-271 

Discouraging thoughts of, in contemplation of the journey 229 

Conversation of, with a colored blacksmith — Visits N. Neal, who 

had had some of the banished Friends at his house 230 

Conversation of, with two persons in Virginia respecting slavery... 231 
Conversation of, with a tavern keeper respecting the Indians and 

Slavery 232 

Remarks of, on the Natural Bridge — Conversation of, with a tavern 

keeper relative to Quakers 233 

Views of, respecting the assertion of slaveholders that they would 

free their slaves if they knew how it ceuld be done 234 

Remarks of, respecting the difficulties surrounding Friends of Lost 

Creek Quarter— Visit of, to a school there, and reflections on 

education 237 

Remarks of, on the loss sustained by the Society and its members, 

where the discipline is not properly supported 238, 239 

Observations of, on the scenery observed from the top of the Blue 

Ridge 240 

Notice by, of a Moravian seftlement 242 

Painful accident to 243 

Reflections on such trials 244 

Notice by, of the Yearly Meeting of North Carolina — Remarks by, 

on the value of education 245 

Meets with Abner Heald and D. Fawcet, of Ohio 254 



698 



INDEX. 



Evans, William — {continued). 

Turns back to visit a meeting 256 

Remarks of, respecting the comfortless condition of the meeting- 
houses 259 

Disquieting fears while at Rich Square Meeting 260 

Remarks of, respecting the evils attending Friends who settle far 

away from meetings and society of Friends 26 1 

Remarks of, on the doubtful advantages to Friends to emigrate, and 

on the lessening of meetings 262, 263 

Entertainment of, at a storekeeper's in Virginia, and conversation 

with him 267 

Fears of, respecting the safety, &c, of his family 269 

Return home from Virginia 271 

Notice by, of an epistle prepared and sent to the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings in London, calling attention to publications by some of 

their members containing unsound doctrines 272 

Visits by appointment the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and 

Elders at Muncy 272 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 273 

Second religious visit in the limits of Ohio Yearly Meeting — Dis- 
couraging considerations respecting leaving home 274-304 

Conversation with some slaveholders 274 

Character of the concern of 276 

Conversation of, with a fellow-traveller on governmental policy, 

war, &c 277 

At Short Creek Quarterly Meeting 278 

Attends Stillwater Quarterly Meeting 284 

Visit at J. Edgerton's, whose daughter was deceased 288 

Turns back to visit some meetings 289 

Some remarks on the effects, where frugal habits degenerate into 

penuriousness 292 

Caution given to, by a Friend after a meeting 294 

Feelings of, at Rapp's Settlement — Dangerous situation on the 

road 301 

Visit to Mildred Ratcliff — Interesting conversation 302 

Reaches home from Ohio 304 

Notice by, of the concern in the Meeting for Sufferings relating to 
a work written by Dr. Ash, of England, and the spread of un- 
sound doctrines 304 

Notice by, of the proceedings of the Meeting for Sufferings and of 

the Yearly Meeting of 1843 .. 305 

Refining dispensation to 306 

Attends New York Yearly Meeting 307 

Service of, at the meeting 308 

Notice by, of the care of the Book Committee — Of the establishment 

of the Book Store 309 

Visit of, to Springfield, and religious exercise there 310 



INDEX. 699 

Evans, William — {continued). 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting — Liberated to attend Indiana 

Yearly Meeting 311 

Attends Western Quarterly Meeting — Starts for Indiana 312 

Notice by, of journey to Richmond, Indiana 312-314 

Visit of, to Ann Shipley 3.14 

Notice by, of the meetings at Indiana Yearly Meeting 315, 316 

Return to Cincinnati 316 

Religious labor with the members there 317 

Danger encountered by, on the Ohio 318 

Arrives at home 318 

Visit to Westtown 319 

Religious exercise at his own meeting 320 

Notice of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 321 

Attends a meeting for laborers appointed by R. Priestman 322 

Notice by, of Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia in 1844 — Of a remon- 
strance by the Meeting for Sufferings against the annexation of 

Texas — Blessings of a religious life 323 

Visit of, to S. Emlen, about to embark for England 325 

Remarks of, on the changes taking place among Friends of Phila- 
delphia 326 

Notice by, of his wife's visiting families at Woodbury 327 

Notice by, of Lydia Dean, of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 328 

Attendance of Concord and Western Quarterly Meetings 329 

Burning of the Store of 330 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting 331 

Liberated to visit the Northwestern Meetings in New York — Leaves 

home 333 

Passage of, up the Hudson 334 

Account by, of this journey 333-374 

Attends Le Ray Quarterly Meeting 336 

Service of, at Skaneateles 337 

Remarks of, on the eager pursuit of wealth 341 

Remarks of, on the danger of being absorbed in works of philan- 
thropy 342 

View of the Niagara — Notice by, of a destructive flood at Buffalo 347 

Difficulties in travelling 349 

Feelings of, when standing by Niagara Falls 350 

Remarks by, on those who let fall our testimonies, and amalgamate 

with other professors 351 

Meets with a damaging accident to their carriage 352 

Depressing fears of 353 

Difficulties of, in travelling, from snow and ice 356-7 

Severe cold mentioned by 358 

Remarks by, on the evils of marrying out of the Society 360 

Account received by, from a Friend of his settling in Canada 361 

Attends the Half Year's Meeting in Canada 362-3 



700 INDEX. 

Evans, William — {continued). 

Notice by, of severe cold, and of the disadvantage of living in new 

settlements 364 

Notice by, of hardships encountered, and of the great responsibility 

of parents how the children are cared for 365 

Difficulty and peril encountered in a severe snow-storm. 366 

Becomes sick, faith closely tried — Severe cold 387 

Reassured by a Divine promise 368 

Returns into the United States 369 

Difficulty of travelling in deep snow or hail, mentioned by 370 

Gets back to Butternuts — Sell their carriage and horses 373 

Notice by, of John Wood — Arrives at home 374 

Sense of, of the want of the life of religion among Friends 375 

Accompanies his wife on a visit to Exeter and Maiden Creek Meet- 
ings 376 

Service of, at Western Meeting 377 

Remarks of, on the social intercourse between the true disciples of 

Christ 378 

Notice by, of exercises at his own and other meetings 379-380 

Attends Bucks and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings 381 

Remarks of, respecting Ann Jones, of Stockport, England o82 

Service of, at Germantown Meeting and Arch street 383 

Notice by, of the death, &c, of Hannah L. Smith 385 

Attends Evesham Meeting and Salem Quarterly Meeting 387 

Attends the Western Quarterly Meeting 388 

Attends Haddonfield Monthly Meeting 389 

Notice by, of the first meeting of the committee appointed by the 

Meeting for Sufferings to examine certain doctrinal works 390 

Pays a religious visit to Stanford Quarterly Meeting, New York 391-395 

Notice by, of a visit paid to two ancient Eriends 394 

Remarks on sense of desertion, and on the state of the Society 395 

Attends Abington Quarterly Meeting 397 

Notice by, of John Bullock 398 

Notice by, of the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia in 1847 399 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting — Notice of the death of Ann 

Scattergood 400 

Visit of, and wife to Greenwich and Salem 401 

Notice of the Meeting for Sufferings when final action was taken 

on " The Appeal for the Ancient Doctrines" 402 

Second religious visit to North Carolina 405-415 

Conversation of, with the Governor of Virginia 406 

Some account by, of the Yearly Meeting of North Carolina 407-409 

Religious services of, and the different meetings attended 409-415 

Returns home 415 

Confinement of, at business — Cause for humiliation to 416 

Attends Shrewsbury and Railway Quarterly Meeting 417 

Notice by, of a pleasant incident 418 

Extract from a letter of, to a Friend 419 



INDEX. 701 

Evans, William — {continued). 

Service of, at Plymouth Monthly Meeting — Notice by, of Hannah 

Williams 421 

Views of, respecting separations 422 

Religious service of, at Birmingham 423 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 426 

Closing up o', r. prospecl of a religious visit by, remarks thereon... 427 
Notice by, of a letter received from England, giving a view of the 

state of things among Eriends there 429 

Views of, respecting the lapsed condition of the Society, and on 

Divine worship 430 

Attends several meetings in Haddonfield Quarter 4^2 

Reflections of, on the authority of true ministry- — On the means of 

preservation 434 

Trial of faith of — Exercise on behalf of the young people 435 

Advice of, to two young Friends 437 

Remarks of, on the Legal and Gospel Dispensations 438 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 

Elders in 1849— Service of, in it 439-440 

Notice by, of the Yearly Meeting of 1849 — Authority for speaking 

to the affairs of the Church 441 

Remarks by, on reading letters of Sarah L. Grubb 442 

Views of, in relation to the evil effects of the exposure of young 

people at places of public resort, as sea shore, &c 444 

Notice by, of the character and services of S. L. Grubb 445 

Notice by, of the death of Sarah Emlen, and of Mary Carpenter... 446 

Notice of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting — Attends Salem Quarter 447 

Thoughts of, respecting the state of the Society 448 

Notice by, of the death and character of Margaret Hutchinson 449 

Visit by appointment to the members of Muncy Monthly Meeting — 

Some conversation with Jesse Haines 450 

Exercise of, at Muncy Monthly Meeting 452 

Exercise of, at Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 453 

Humiliating exercises endured by 456 

Notice by, of H. Rhoads' religious concern to visit Great Britain... .458 
Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting — Comforted by the ministry of 

H. Haines 459 

Liberated to pay a religious visit to the meetings of Friends in New 

Jersey 460 

Account by, of this visit 461-475 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting 461 

Notice by, of the meetings along the sea shore 461-463 

Remarks on the need of more religious depth, and less of the love 

of the world 467 

Visit of, to John Sheppard 469 

Visit of, to Rehecca Hubbs 470 

Notice by, of Yearly Meeting of 1850 471 

Attends Burlington Quarterly Meeting 471 



702 



INDEX. 



Evans, William — {continued). 

Mournful exercises of. ««««.... 475 

Notice by, of the departure of H. Rhoads for England 476 

Notice by, of a great fire in Philadelphia 478 

Remarks by, on the ceremonies observed in Philadelphia on the 

occasion of the death of the President of the United States 479 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting 480 

Attends the Western Quarterly Meeting 481 

Religious exercise in his own meeting 483 

Reflections on the unsettled condition of the governments of Christ- 
endom 485 

Undeniable evidence given to, of the Lord's gracious regard of 
him, and of his exercises for the Society — Necessity for Friends to 

stand boldly for their religion 485, 486 

Remarks by, on the necessity for divine direction in visiting meet- 
ings 487 

Remarks of, on the spirit of separation, and the value of keeping 

the Society an united body 488-9 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 489 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 491 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting — Remarks of, on separation... 492 

Notice of the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia in 1851 495 

Notice by, of the death and character of Robert Smith 496 

Liberated to visit the meetings composing Indiana Yearly Meeting 496 

Leaves home — Account of this journey 498-545 

Notice by, of rough roads and beautiful scenery 499 

Notice of character of the country and improvements 500 

Solemn feelings of, at the sudden death of a Friend 501 

Attends Select Quarterly Meeting at Gilead 503 

Attends Alum Creek Quarterly Meeting 504 

Account given to, by a Friend of his journey from Bush River, South 
Carolina, with some colored people, and of his manner of life for 

Borne time after settling in Ohio 507 

Lonely feelings of, when about to enter the prairies 514 

Commences crossing the state of Illinois — Dangers of, on the 

prairies 516 

Remarks on low condition in morals among many — Providential 
meeting of, with one who gave right directions of the way to go... 517 

Difficulties in reaching and crossing the Illinois River 518 

Travelling through water 518 

Detention in crossing the Mississippi — Meets some Canada Friends 

at whose house he had been in Canada 519 

Carriage of, broken in a slough 520 

Attends the Quarterly Meeting at Salem 524 

Reflections by, on the propriety of Friends being pioneers in set- 
tling new countries 526 

Recrosses the Mississippi at Muscatine 527 

Interesting incidents in the family of a person not a Friend 528 



INDEX. 703 

Etans, William — {continued). 

End of the return journey across the prairies 529 

Dangerous accident to one of the horses of. 533 

Attendance and services at various meetings 534-543 

Notice of Indiana Yearly Meeting by 544 

Arrival at home of 545 

Reflections of, on the approach of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and 

the spirit of separation 546 

Notice by, of the Yearly Meeting 548 

Told " The Lord spoke through you to-day" by a stranger, after a 

meeting at Arch street 550 

Attendance and services of, at meetings in or near the city 551-556 

Reflections of, on the many privileges attached to membership in 

the Society of Friends 556 

Visit to, and character of Hannah Gibbons 558 

Reflections by, on the danger of the possession of riches 560 

Remarks by, on the rise, the preservation of Friends, and the re- 
sponsibilities attached to them .' 561 

By appointment, visits with others the families of the Monthly Meet- 
ing 562 

Liberated to visit the meetings of Concord, Cain and Western 

Quarterly Meetings 563 

Character of Hinchman Haines by 563 

Sets out on the visit to the meetings of the three Quarterly Meet- 
ings 564 

Account by, of the meetings attended and services therein 564-576 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting — Thoughts on war 567 

Attends Cain Quarterly Meeting 568 

Attends the Western Quarterly Meeting 571 

Fears of, respecting the spread of unsound sentiments entertained by 
persons living within the limits of the Western Quarterly Meet- 
ing 573 

Returns home 576 

Notice of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1853 577 

Reminiscences interesting to, of R. Jordan and T. Scattergood 578 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting 579 

Notice of the death of the mother-in-law of 580 

Remarks of, on the observance of the 4th of the 7th month 581 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 583 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 584 

Remarks of, on separation 585 

Remarks of, on the difference between the thankful and the unthank- 
ful — Contriting sense of mercies, of 588 

Sense of desertion felt by 589 

Attends a few meetings in New Jersey 590-591 

Sad reflections of, when at Fallsington 592 

Notice by, of the religious concern of the committee having the 
oversight of Westtown 594 



704 INDEX. 

Evans, William — {continued). 

Remarks of, on reading the proofs for a new edition of Piety Pro- 
moted 596 

Remarks of, on the proposed violation of the Missouri Compromise 596 

Notice by, of the death and services of William Forster 598 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting 598 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1854 600 

Reflections of, on the distribution of Piety Promoted 601 

Attends Galloway Meeting «03 

Liberated to attend Ohio Yearly Meeting 604 

Letter to, from H. Gibbons 605 

Sets out for Ohio — Account by, of meetings and services 606-617 

Notice by, of great drought in Ohio 608 

Notice by, of Ohio Yearly Meeting 609, 610 

Conversation of, with a religious Methodist 611 

Returns home 617 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 617 

Services of, at meetings near home 618-620 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting 621 

Notice by, of the death of Samuel Leeds 621 

Exercises of, respecting the state of the Society 622 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting — Attends Salem 

Quarterly Meeting 623 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting — Notice by, of the death 

of Sarah Hillman 624 

Notice by, of Ohio Yearly Meeting 625 

Notice by, of the sickness, death and character of Margaret M. 

Smith 625 

Season of stripping with — Attends Shrewsbury and Rah way Quar- 
terly Meeting 627 

Peeling of, like being retired from labor 629 

Sense of, of the need of Divine preservation 630 

Notice by, of severe cold and its effects 631 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting — Notice by, of the destruc- 
tion of a steamboat on the Delaware 632 

Notice by, of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1856 634 

Impressions made on, in his own meeting 634 

Reflections by, on the mercies extended to him through life 637 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting — Attends Concord 

Quarterly Meeting 639 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 641 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting 642 

Observations by, on the pecuniary troubles in Philadelphia 642, 644 

Attends Burlington Quarterly Meeting 645 

Notice of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 647 

Notice of the " Appeal to the citizens of the United States on behalf 
of the colored people" 648 



INDEX. 



705 



Evans, William — {continued). 

Eemarks of, on the defective character of home education among 

many Friends 650 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1857 657 

Remarks by, on over-extended business -. 653 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting 654 

Notice by, of a religious exercise in the Meeting for Sufferings 656 

Thoughts of, on hearing of proposed changes in England 657 

Humiliating exercises 658 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 658 

Reflections of, on unity, and Ministers and Elders 659 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1859 660 

Remarks of, on war 661 

Notice by, of the concern in the Meeting for Sufferings, that Friends 

keep to their original faith 663 

Thoughts produced in, by his advanced age 664 

Reflection of, on the warnings that the end is approaching 666 

Remarks of, on the threatening political condition of the country.. 667 

Attends Salem Quarterly Meeting 668 

Attends Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting 669 

Notice by, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of 1860 671 

Trials of, through temptation 673 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting 674 

Notice by, of the death and character of Joseph Rhoads 676 

Attends Abington and Salem Quarterly Meetings , 676 

Attends H; ddonfield Quarterly Meeting 677 

Reflections of, on the civil war 678 

Thoughts of, on the danger of over-valuation 678 

Attends Concord Quarterly Meeting , 681 

Reflections of, on the trials to which the Society of Friends is sub- 
jected 682 

Visit of, with his wife to Salem — Ministerial labor of his wife in 

the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders 683 

Sudden decease of the wife of 684 

Deep affliction of, and gracious announcement to 685 

Attends Abington Quarterly Meeting 686 

Last days, sickness and death of 687-690 

F. 

Fawcet, David, meets William Evans in North Carolina 254 

Accompanies William Evans to some meetings in Ohio 299 

Forster, William, Jr., attends Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in 1823 79 

At Rhode Island Yearly Meeting 90 

Notice of the death and services of 597, 598 

Friends of remarkable character and gifts in Philadelphia Yearly Meet- 
ing 15 

Imposition upon and heavy fines of 45 



706 INDEX. 

G. 

Gibbons, Joseph, Notice of the sickness and death of. 177 

Gibbons, Hannah, Notice of. .' 558 

Grant, Dr., Sentiments of, respecting slavery, and practice of 268 

Green, Jacob, Attends Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 217 

H. 

Hacker, Jeremiah, Accompanies William Evans through Virginia and 

North Carolina 229 

Haines, Jesse, Conversation with 45n 

Haines, Hinchman, Notice of a communication by 459 

Death and character of 563 

Halleck, Isaac, Account given by, of an Indian's description of David 

Bacon 131 

Heald, Abner, Meets William Evans in North Carolina 254 

Healt, Christopher, Notice of 381 

Testimony of, in the Meeting for Sufferings 402 

Hicks, Elias, Interview with, by H. Evans 44 

A visit of, to Philadelphia — Unsound sentiments held by, testified to 

by J. Whitall 73 

Hilles, Samuel, Accompanies William Evans into New York State 221 

Hillman, Sarah, Death and character of 624 

Horne, Susanna, Eamily visit by 27 

Sudden death of the companion of 28 

Hull, Henry, Widow of, visit to, by William Evans 138, 159 

Hubbs, Rebecca, Visit to, by William Evans 470 

J. 

Jackson, William, Testimony of, respecting Ann Jones 382 

Notice of 572 

Jones, Rebecca, Notice of — Advice given by, to William Evans 19 

Jones, George and Ann, Attend Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 102 

Jones, Ann, Notice of the death of, and remarks on the character of. 382 

Jordan, Richard, Substance of discourse by, at Newtown 80 

Substance of discourse by, in the Select Yearly Meeting of 1825 96 

Death of 102 

K. 

Ketser, Abraham, Notice of 

Kite, Thomas, Opens a concern in the Meeting for Sufferings respecting 

a book published by Dr. Ash 304 

In company with William Evans attends New York Yearly Meeting 307 

Also Indiana Yearly Meeting 311 

Kitely, Elizabeth, Visit to, by William Evans 203 

L. 

Leddra, William, Epistle of, effect produced on William Evans by reading 13 

Leeds, Samuel, Notice of the death of 621 



INDEX. 



M. 



707 



McCartt, Ellen, Religious service of, at a militia muster 202 

Milford, New — Origin of the meeting established at 132 

Musgrave, Deborah, Marriage of, to William Evans 26 

Last sickness and death of. 38-42 

Musgrave, Aaron, Death of. 44 

N. 

Neal, Lewis, Informs William Evans of the banished Eriends, who 

were at his house 230 

Nicholson, Samuel, Accompanies William Evans in New Jersey 460 

P. 

Priestman, Rachel, Meeting held by, in Philadelphia for laborers 322 

R. 

Ratcliff, Mildred, Some account of 168 

Reeve, Josiah and Elizabeth, Character of, given by William Evans 183 

Reeve, Josiah, Death of 221 

Rhoads, Joseph, Marriage of, to Hannah Evans, Jr 49 

Death and character of 676 

Robson, Elizabeth, Remarkable anecdote narrated by 87 

Religious engagement of, in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in 1825 97 

Religious service of, in Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting 99 

Religious communication of, to Philadelphia Select Quarterly Meet- 
ing 108 

S. 

Sands, David, Visit of, to Philadelphia 22 

Notice of widow of 127 

Savert, William, Notice of last public sermon of 18 

Scattergood, Thomas, Peculiar gift of 15 

Character and manner of 20 

Family visit by, communication to William and D. Evans 27 

Death of 35 

Scattergood, Ann, Notice of the death of 400 

Scotton, Robert, Some notice of a communication from 454 

Shipley, Ann, Visit to, by William Evans 314 

Sheppard, John, Notice of. 469 

Shoemaker, Charles, Character of 189 

Smith, Hannah L., Notice of 385 

Smith, Margaret M., Sickness, death, and character of 625 

Smith, Robert, death and character of 496 

Snowdon, Joseph, Accompanies William Evans to New England 115 

Accompanies William Evans to New York and Vermont 124 

Accompanies William Evans to New England Yearly Meeting 180 



708 INDEX. 

Snowdon, Joseph — {continued). 

Accompanies William Evans to Stanford Quarterly Meeting, New 

York 391 

Stevenson, Isaac, Substance of sermon by 86 

Students, Convinced by Barclay's Apology, and set up a meeting 132 

Sufferings, The Meeting for — Action of, in relation to "Paul and 

Amicus" 76 

Sends to Washington for information relative to the foreign slave 

trade 81 

Disorderly attempt made to introduce new members into 101 

Committee appointed by, on account of the separation in 1827 — 

Epistle issued by 110 

Statement of the cause and progress of the separation, by Ill 

Issues an address relative to slavery, and the treatment of the Indians 175 

Sends a memorial to the State Convention at Harrisburg 180 

Introduction into, of concern on account of the spread of works 

containing unsound doctrines 191 

Concern of, for the more extensive distribution of the approved 
writings of Friends, and the establishment of an office for their 

sale 195 

Notice of an epistle of, to the Meeting for Sufferings in London, 

relative to the publication of unsound doctrine 272 

Concern of, on account of slavery, particularly in the State of De- 
laware 275 

Concern of, on account of Dr. Ash's attack on Barclay, &c. — 
Appoints a committee to draw up a declaration of the doctrines 

and testimonies held by Friends 304 

Adopts the account drawn up of the Rise and Progress of the Abo- 
lition of Slavery among Friends — Also, "The Ancient Testi- 
mony" of the Society of Friends 305 

Remonstrates against the junction of Texas and the United States 323 

Addresses the young men liable to military duty 327 

Final action of, in relation to the " Appeal for the Ancient Doc- 
trines" 402. 

Continued concern of, on account of slavery and the slave trade.... 404 
Exercise in, on account of the threatened repeal of the laws in 

Pennsylvania against kidnapping 468 

Memorial of, against the repeal of laws against kidnapping 468 

Interest of, in the circulation of the approved writings of Friends... 495 
Appoints a committee to prepare an epistle of counsel and encour- 
agement 576 

Religious concern in .••■ 577 

Presents a remonstrance against the extension of slavery into 

Nebraska Territory 597 

Adopts an Appeal on behalf of the Colored Races 648 

Issues a new and enlarged edition of " Advices" 660 

Approves a concise declaration of the rise and faith of Friends 
prepared for a periodical <■•• 670 



INDEX. 



T, 



709 



Talcot, Joseph, Visit to, by William Evans 339 

Thorne, Anne, Visit to, by William Evans, prior to her embarkation 

for England 132 

W. 

Warrington, Henry, Accompanies William Evans to the meetings of 

Haddonfield and Burlington Quarterly Meetings 196 

Notice of 474 

Wheeler, Daniel, Arrives in Philadelphia 210 

Whitall, Joseph, Testimony of, respecting the unsoundness of E. Hicks. 73 

Notice of 273 

Williams, Hannah, Notice of 421 

Wilson, Sarah, Accompanied by William Evans to New York Yearly 

Meeting 43 

Death of 50 

Withy, George, Attends Philadelphia Yearly Meeting 69 

Wood, John, Notice of. 374 

Y 

Yearly Meeting, Baltimore, Visit to, oy William Evans 82 

Deputations from Baltimore and North Carolina, to Philadelphia 

Yearly Meeting 549 

Indiana, Visit to, by William Evans 315, 544 

New England, William Evans accompanies his mother to 44 

M " Eeligious visit to, by William Evans 90 

" " Second religious visit to, by William Evans 181 

New York, William Evans accompanies his mother to 43 

" " Religious visit to, by William Evans 100 

" " Second religious visit to, by William Evans 307 

Ohio, Notice of 53 

" Eeligious visit to, by William Evans 166 

" Second religious visit to, by William Evans 609 

Philadelphia, Notice of, in 1822 „ 6<9 

Notice of, in 1823 71 

Notice of, in 1824., 86 

Notice of, in 1825 92 

Notice of, in 1826 97 

Notice of, in 1827 106 

Notice of, in 1837 176 

Notice of, in 1839 216 

Notice of, in 1840... , 220 

Notice of, in 1841 224 

Notice of, in 1843 305 

Notice of, in 1844 323 

Notice of, in 1847 399 

Notice of, in 1849 439 

46 



710 INDEX. 

Yearly Meeting, Philadelphia — (continued). 

Notice of, in 1851 495 

Notice of, in 1852 548 

Notice of, in 1853 577 

Notice of, in 1854 600 

Notice of, in 1856 634 

Notice of, in 1858 651 

Notice of, in 1859 660 

Notice of, in 1860 671 

Virginia, Eeligious visit paid to, by William Evans 226 



THE END, 



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